Charge controllers

[nathanlee]

Last night, after much hunting, I finally bought a couple of solar panels. I got two 20w panels off ebay for £150. I figured 40w should do me for the time being.

Now I need a charge controller, but I'm not sure how they work. All of the controllers I've seen have three +/- inputs/outputs. One coming in from the solar, one to the battery, and one with a bulb icon. I presume the latter would be the output for the entire system, with nothing being drawn directly off the battery?

In that case, what does the charge controller rating refer to? Does a 6amp controller mean I can only have a 6amp load, or a 6amp input from the solar cells?

if anybody can point me in the right direction for my shore power system too, that would be of help. How does the solar controller fit in with my existing shore power charger? I'm guessing I'd just leave that as is and add the solar controller as a separate system?

Cheers,

Nathan

 

[Chris_Robb]

[ QUOTE ]
Last night, after much hunting, I finally bought a couple of solar panels. I got two 20w panels off ebay for £150. I figured 40w should do me for the time being.

Now I need a charge controller, but I'm not sure how they work. All of the controllers I've seen have three +/- inputs/outputs. One coming in from the solar, one to the battery, and one with a bulb icon. I presume the latter would be the output for the entire system, with nothing being drawn directly off the battery?

In that case, what does the charge controller rating refer to? Does a 6amp controller mean I can only have a 6amp load, or a 6amp input from the solar cells?

if anybody can point me in the right direction for my shore power system too, that would be of help. How does the solar controller fit in with my existing shore power charger? I'm guessing I'd just leave that as is and add the solar controller as a separate system?

Cheers,

Nathan

[/ QUOTE ]

Nathan
The charge controller is quite separate from the shore power charging.

The third contact with a bulb icon, you will probably not use. It is for electrical equipment at 12 v to be driven direct off solar.

The rating is the max amount of current that the regulator can handle, ie 10 amps should do for you - but ask the supplier.

I bought recently a STECA 20 amp controller for 2 x 85 watts panels - and it works a treat, and gives good info.

You might also want to look at an Alternator booster such as STerling or Adverc, especially if you are not marina based ie no shore power.

 

[seanfoster]

Do a search for Solara on google, they do a basic but good range of regulators