BigRAWesty (20th May 2017), Cuppa (19th May 2017)
Hi Cuppa, Just purchased one of these controllers for my twin folding 80w panels. In the instructions it says to always connect to the battery first so that the controller can recognize the system voltage. Knowing not much about solar gear, does this mean every time I use the panels I need to connect the controller to the battery and then the panels to the controller? Seems at bit of a pain on a portable system with the controller mounted on the rear of a panel.
2014 Titanium Y61 with all the fruit ................
Not having personally used that specific controller myself I can't be 100% certain, but I would be very surprised if disconnecting the controller from the batteries each time is necessary. I would think that if you leave the controller connected to the batteries it would be ok if you then connect the panels to the controller using an anderson plug ...BUT .... just to be cautious I would suggest that prior to connecting the panels that you have them either covered or just laying face down so their output is restricted to 'not much at all'.
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bazzaboy (5th January 2018), the evil twin (5th January 2018)
Just leave it connected to the batteries all the time.
You can connect/disconnect the panels as often as you like (which is sorta what happens when a cloud passes or the sun goes down).
If, for whatever reason, you do disconnect the batteries from the controller, reconnect the battery before you reconnect the panels/s.
The reason isn't actually to do with the batteries it is to do with the load voltage.
If the controller doesn't know the load is 12 volt equipment it can send overvoltages to whatever you have connected.
Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
Depends how your controller is hooked up to your panels, but if space allows, IMO include a rated isolating switch between solar array and controller (single pole ok here). Handy for for safe PV isolation and testing panel out open circuit.
2008 GU WAG ST Manual CRD - To do the job
Thanks Bidja, that's exactly what I will do, permanently mount a rated water proof switch and the controller to the rear of a panel. Saves another removable connection, allows me to isolate the panels, and to connect the controller to the battery first via the Anderson connector.
2014 Titanium Y61 with all the fruit ................
Bidja (5th January 2018)
@bazzaboy when you say portable panels are you wanting to be able to connect to other vehicles or is it simply so you can move the panels around to catch the sun?
The best location for this regulator or any regulator for that matter is no where near the panel, mount it as close to your battery as possible. Regulators dont like heat, the sun and the back of panels are great sources of heat. By having the regulator close to battery it increases the effectiveness of the regulator and reduces the voltage drop effects.
Mine is permanently mounted in the patrol, and my panels are easily connected/disconnected via anderson plug extension lead for portability chasing the sun.
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Last edited by sooty_10; 5th January 2018 at 07:02 PM.
Agree 100%... worst place for a Reg is on the Panels due to heat and voltage drop, best place is close to the Batteries as is reasonable.
Last edited by the evil twin; 5th January 2018 at 03:13 PM.
Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish.
Agree totally that Regs should be close as possible to the battery bank, also be mindful of the temp range and ventilation of the enclosure that is to accommodate the controller.
2008 GU WAG ST Manual CRD - To do the job