Solar panel controller update

[30boat]

After getting a lot of useful replies to my querie about a solar panel controller I'm happy to say that the very simple controller I've fitted is working very well .I connected one battery at a time for two weeks.One was showing 12,74 a week after and the one connected was showing 12.85 at dusk.
I've ordered a second controller that I'll fit to the same 50W panel and see how it goes.I know it's not an ideal arrangement but it's cheap.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I had a solar controller that looked like yours. It cost five quid off ebay but was only an on/off type. After advice from forum, i swapped it for a pmw type at greater cost (£7) which apparently squeezes a bit more juice from the panel. Seems to be working OK even in a shady spot in my garden. I don't expect more than trickle charge this time of year but you may do better. I would think that with 2 regulators of one source the charge will go preferentially to the lower charged battery so they'll both be brought up together - ideal.

 

[NickRobinson]

After getting a lot of useful replies to my querie about a solar panel controller I'm happy to say that the very simple controller I've fitted is working very well .I connected one battery at a time for two weeks.One was showing 12,74 a week after and the one connected was showing 12.85 at dusk.
I've ordered a second controller that I'll fit to the same 50W panel and see how it goes.I know it's not an ideal arrangement but it's cheap.

That's the one I bought too- It is described as PWM, IIRC.
Worked fine in Preston, (elect. extra) In the locker in Hartlepool (elect free.....)

 

[LadyInBed]

I use one of these:
Kemo Lead Acid Battery Split Charge Module
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/kemo-lead-acid-battery-split-charge-module-n73au

 

[30boat]

I use one of these:
Kemo Lead Acid Battery Split Charge Module
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/kemo-lead-acid-battery-split-charge-module-n73au

That's really cheap.Are you happy with it?

 

[VicS]

I use one of these:
Kemo Lead Acid Battery Split Charge Module
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/kemo-lead-acid-battery-split-charge-module-n73au

That's really cheap.Are you happy with it?

But thats only a split charge device allowing two batteries to be charged from the same source not a charging regulator or controller.

This is an equally inexpensive charging controller http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/kemo-dc-12v-battery-charging-regulator-n70au but only it appears for a max of 1.5 amps

 

[30boat]

But thats only a split charge device allowing two batteries to be charged from the same source not a charging regulator or controller.

This is an equally inexpensive charging controller http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/kemo-dc-12v-battery-charging-regulator-n70au but only it appears for a max of 1.5 amps

Ah,thanks for that.

 

[LadyInBed]

But thats only a split charge device allowing two batteries to be charged from the same source not a charging regulator or controller.

True, but a couple of 10A changeover switches allow you to mix and match.
Splitter off, everything to 1 or 2.

This is an equally inexpensive charging controller http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/kemo-dc-12v-battery-charging-regulator-n70au but only it appears for a max of 1.5 amps

1.5A isn't much use. OP already has a Solar Reg.
I've been very happy with my setup as described above. I can also switch it between Solar I/P and WG I/P.
WG I/P has been in situ for 13 yrs, Solar added last year.