Battery Charging

[blockett]

I want to fit a Sterling charge regulator. I have an engine and 2 x services batteries. If I fit a solar panel, how do I stop the charger reading the voltage of the panel and thinking that is the battery voltage (It will probably be higher)?

 

[michael_w]

Put a switch in the feed from the solar panel.

FWIW I've fitted and used both the Sterling and the Adverc controllers. Adverc wins hands down on all counts.

 

[andy_wilson]

The sensor will read the circuit voltage not the no-load-output-voltage of the solar panel, which may well be 20 Volts.

SO

Consider a 30 Watt panel in full sun. Connect the panel (20 Volts) to your partly charged batteries (say 12.1 Volts) and the circuit voltage will probably rise to 12.13 Volts. This is what your charge controller will see. Unless you have a massive array of panels it won't make much difference.

Incidentally I have 2 X 20W panels and an 80 Amp alternator. Despite absolutely hammering the batteries this summer with the cool box, and pumping many amps back into the batteries via the alternator, the panels were undamaged by the 14V / 50-60 Amp reverse load from the alternator.

 

[SvenglishTommy]

You could fit a normally open relay to the engine ignition feed (I guess you've found that already when fitting the controller). This will disconnect the panel when the engine is running. You can have such fun with relays, expecially when it comes to nav lights.
[ QUOTE ]
FWIW I've fitted and used both the Sterling and the Adverc controllers. Adverc wins hands down on all counts.

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What are the 'counts' on which the Adverc is better? I have a Sterling and I can't realy see what more it could do.

 

[Goldie]

Adverc after sales service is the best I have ever come across. I don't know that Sterling enjoy the same reputation.

 

[pampas]

Have solar, wind gen. with and sterlings fitted, no volt meter except an ammeter in the alt line no problems found, so dont worry about them. diode in panel stops any back feed to that item, the sterling still senses and controls ok.

 

[Gin]

Some panels(Solarex) don't have a blocking diode in-line, so a charge regulator is advisable do prevent battery discharge at night