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Thread: Using domestic solar panels for our 12V needs

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    The 747 Winnie's Avatar
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    Using domestic solar panels for our 12V needs

    Has anybody had any success with using a domestic solar panel with their camping setup? I work at an eleccy wholesaler so can get panels at a very good price. Assuming that the physical size is no issue, could I use a 315W panel through a basic 12V solar regulator?

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    Daily Lurker rusty_nail's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Winnie View Post
    Has anybody had any success with using a domestic solar panel with their camping setup? I work at an eleccy wholesaler so can get panels at a very good price. Assuming that the physical size is no issue, could I use a 315W panel through a basic 12V solar regulator?
    Yes mate, absolutely! Not for camping (yet) but I have a 12v setup in my shed which is powered by a commercial solar panel I inherited from an expo I worked at, it runs my smaller Waeco and a disused car radio sound system and some lights with a cheap eBay solar controller. Super easy to setup and have often thought it would be great on a roof.

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    As above ^^^^

    Almost any quality MPPT reg will take a domestic panel input and run 12 volt sytem.
    The Victrons I use will handle 75 volts input
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    The 747 Winnie's Avatar
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    Travelling Podologist Cuppa's Avatar
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    Make sure the reg is MPPT.

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    Patrol Freak jff45's Avatar
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    Also make sure the 12v regulator can handle the Voc (open circuit voltage) of the panel.
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    Smart like tractor Ben-e-boy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Winnie View Post
    Has anybody had any success with using a domestic solar panel with their camping setup? I work at an eleccy wholesaler so can get panels at a very good price. Assuming that the physical size is no issue, could I use a 315W panel through a basic 12V solar regulator?
    Yep. I ran my 40L fridge, Mats big arse fridge and the campsite for 4 days in a shady campsite at Newby's Bucks party. Did it no worries
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    Patrol Freak Bidja's Avatar
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    All fine as quoted above:

    Also make sure that MPPT can handle max power current output from panel. Getting up around 10amps and of course "as quoted" handle the panel open circuit voltage.

    Also think about inline fuse before regulator and rated circuit breaker/switch.
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