solar again

[Mr Cassandra]

Can i connect a 100w flexible panel via the 12v DC plug socket,like those used on cars I do have sockets that are live without the ignition on via a switch. I only have a relatively small battery bank two Varter 150 ah for house and a 120 ah for starter and anchor

 

[Cheesey69]

You have got to go via a charge controller. That sort of amps will cook the batteries.
I use that socket in the cockpit for its convenience but it's connected to the controller

 

[Mr Cassandra]

You have got to go via a charge controller. That sort of amps will cook the batteries.
I use that socket in the cockpit for its convenience but it's connected to the controller

I do have the Chinese ones that came with the panels .

 

[macd]

Although cigarette lighter plugs in vehicles are commonly rated at 10A and may tolerate that for extended periods, many aftermarket plugs & sockets are much inferior and get cooked over time (regardless of their claimed rating). I'd be very wary of pushing a sustained 8A from a 100W panel through any such connector. If the system's 24V, it's much less at risk. Clearly the wiring, both to the plug and the installed section, should have adequate ampacity and modest volt drop.

 

[sarabande]

That's a quite beefy size panel for 400Ahr batteries, and it does need to go through a controller, and to be fused.

Ebay seems to be a reliable source for Victron controllers.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_...1313&_nkw=victron+battery+controller&_sacat=0.

Though quite expensive they do manage the output from the panel(s) carefully, and their software means you can track how much energy is going in to the batteries accurately. Their customer support is really good, too.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I would most definitely not use a cigarette type socket !! In addition to the comments from macd, they are not exactly reliable in their connections. If you are not planning to make a permanent installation, fit a proper plug and socket. For a 100w panel a permanent installation would be better.