Solar Panel Regulator

[hutchy84]

Morning Gents,

Just a quick one

I have a Piranha Smart Reg-8 and have been given a 100 watt solar panel, I was wondering if i can use that solar panel regulator with that solar panel as the reg-8 supports 2 50 watt panels.

Can i use both solar panel hook ups for the one panel or is the regulator completely useless for the solar panel

Cheers,

Hutchy

[mudski]

You might need to post up the specs of the panel. Theres usually a sticker on the back side with all the info.

[the evil twin]

If it is a 12 volt panel (max output of 21 Volts or less) then that reg should handle it.

You need to connect the Panel output to both input channels IE twist the Reg Orange and Orange/Black leads together to the Panel +ve so the Reg "load shares".

Ring Piranha and check if in doubt

[hutchy84]

Thanks for your replies

I rang Piranha and they recommend not to run the panel with that regulator as it maxes the reg out with a high potential of causing the unit to overheat.

Bit of a pain really considering they say you can run two 50 watt panels from the regulator which is the same as one panel.

[the evil twin]

Thanks for your replies

I rang Piranha and they recommend not to run the panel with that regulator as it maxes the reg out with a high potential of causing the unit to overheat.

Bit of a pain really considering they say you can run two 50 watt panels from the regulator which is the same as one panel.

Yeah, fair enough that it will be up near the limit but crappy marketing on their behalf and I call BS on the high potential comment as wattage doesn't have anything to do with potential (Vo)
Plus you won't get anything like 8 amps out of a single 100 watt panel.
Anyhoooow... 10 amp Reg's are like $10 on Ebay so grab one and sell yours for $20 and win/win

I can't believe the price they retail for... that is like about 1,000 % more than they are worth.
I pay much less for top of the wozza 15 Amp MPPT Regs with a 5 year warranty