Solar panel controller

[30boat]

I bought this little thinghie http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Solar-Cha...60684563165?pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item53fa79aadd for my solar panel and installed it yesterday.However I was too quick to place the order because immediately after there was a discussion here on more sophisticated units for little more money.Could someone please point me in the right direction please?I'd like a decent regulator for two batteries.The solar panel is a 50W one and there are two 85AH batteries.
Once I get it I'll offer this one to anybody who wants it.

 

[Ship's Cat 73]

We've been running a 40W solar panel all summer to charge 2 batteries and used it in conjunction with a dual solar charge regulator from Maplins. It was so easy to connect and we give it top marks for performance. (so far . . . )

Here's the link :- http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/12v-16a-dual-solar-charge-regulator-n35hg

 

[VicS]

We've been running a 40W solar panel all summer to charge 2 batteries and used it in conjunction with a dual solar charge regulator from Maplins. It was so easy to connect and we give it top marks for performance. (so far . . . )

Here's the link :- http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/12v-16a-dual-solar-charge-regulator-n35hg

Also a simple on off controller although with outputs for two batteries.

I think what the Op is looking for is a PWM or even an MPPT controller Dual output if the batteries are two separate batteries or single output if the two a parallel into a single bank

 

[vyv_cox]

I have had a Sunworks DB1 for many years http://www.sunworks.co.uk/MotorhomesandBoats.html#DB1C_DB2C. It performs well, displays the voltage in each battery bank, the current being generated, and which bank is receiving the power. Usefully, when it developed a fault after about five years it was repaired promptly and cheaply.

 

[SimbaDog]

http://www.sunstore.co.uk/EP-Solar-Duo-Battery-Solar-Charge-Controller-12-24v-10A.html

 

[30boat]

I have had a Sunworks DB1 for many years http://www.sunworks.co.uk/MotorhomesandBoats.html#DB1C_DB2C. It performs well, displays the voltage in each battery bank, the current being generated, and which bank is receiving the power. Usefully, when it developed a fault after about five years it was repaired promptly and cheaply.

Thanks that one looks great but I was hoping to spend less,although it's not too expensive.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Thanks that one looks great but I was hoping to spend less,although it's not too expensive.

I have that one - well, the Photonic Universe badged version - and it seems to work really well. For another £20-30 you can get a nice remote monitor for it as well.

 

[30boat]

I have that one - well, the Photonic Universe badged version - and it seems to work really well. For another £20-30 you can get a nice remote monitor for it as well.

I'm running out of beer tokens...

 

[30boat]

http://www.sunstore.co.uk/EP-Solar-Duo-Battery-Solar-Charge-Controller-12-24v-10A.html

This one looks like what I need,thanks.

 

[BruceDanforth]

I've been running one of those all summer to charge my single 110Ah battery from 2 x 20W panels and it has been working fine....

I bought this little thinghie http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Solar-Cha...60684563165?pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item53fa79aadd for my solar panel and installed it yesterday.However I was too quick to place the order because immediately after there was a discussion here on more sophisticated units for little more money.Could someone please point me in the right direction please?I'd like a decent regulator for two batteries.The solar panel is a 50W one and there are two 85AH batteries.
Once I get it I'll offer this one to anybody who wants it.

 

[30boat]

I've been running one of those all summer to charge my single 110Ah battery from 2 x 20W panels and it has been working fine....

My problem is that I have two batteries. I could connect them both to the controller but it's probably not a good idea.

 

[ghostlymoron]

My problem is that I have two batteries. I could connect them both to the controller but it's probably not a good idea.

If your two batteries are connected together anyway it's no problem but if you have one for starting and one for domestics you can't do it. I just charge the domestics with my solar, the start battery is recharged every time you start if it's in decent condition. How about a dual sensing VSR?

 

[JumbleDuck]

If your two batteries are connected together anyway it's no problem but if you have one for starting and one for domestics you can't do it. I just charge the domestics with my solar, the start battery is recharged every time you start if it's in decent condition. How about a dual sensing VSR?

VSRs aren't generally much good with the relatively puny output of solar panels. Battery 1 gets charged, voltage rises, VSR closes, battery 2 drags down voltage, VSR opens, rinse, lather repeat. Chatter chatter chatter. Not an issue with alternators because even a flattish battery will pull down an alternator output much.

 

[vyv_cox]

If your two batteries are connected together anyway it's no problem but if you have one for starting and one for domestics you can't do it.

Yes you can. See post #4. I have been charging two banks from one panel for the past 20 years.

 

[30boat]

Yes you can. See post #4. I have been charging two banks from one panel for the past 20 years.

Yes but don't you have a regulator designed for that?I think my simple controller is only meant for one or am I wrong?

 

[pappaecho]

With 80 watt solar panel and 2 x 2 banks of 110 amp batteries, my Maplin controller works very well for the last 3 years. It works by sending power to the first most discharged bank first, and stops charging at 14 volts.
I think it cost about £12 and is very well built

 

[vyv_cox]

Yes but don't you have a regulator designed for that?I think my simple controller is only meant for one or am I wrong?

You are right, but I was replying to a statement that it cannot be done.

 

[bluerm166]

30 boat - I think your question has been well answered ,but if you don't wish to buy another you could use your existing controller by adding a changeover switch that directs the solar charge to either battery.Requires fuses on each leg and a suitably rated switch and of course some discipline in making the manual changeover.
I have used the neat Cherry switch RS 706-3994 to switch the trickle charge from a 20W panel between two 110ah batteries.(no fridge).
But for £33 you would get automatic control and an indication of battery/charge status so the type of solution suggested by vyv seems a 'no brainer' which I'll use next time around.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I was meaning that the OP couldn't do it with the cheap controller that he has. You can obviously charge 2 separate banks with a controller designed to do it. I must be more precise in future.

You are right, but I was replying to a statement that it cannot be done.

 

[30boat]

30 boat - I think your question has been well answered ,but if you don't wish to buy another you could use your existing controller by adding a changeover switch that directs the solar charge to either battery.Requires fuses on each leg and a suitably rated switch and of course some discipline in making the manual changeover.
I have used the neat Cherry switch RS 706-3994 to switch the trickle charge from a 20W panel between two 110ah batteries.(no fridge).
But for £33 you would get automatic control and an indication of battery/charge status so the type of solution suggested by vyv seems a 'no brainer' which I'll use next time around.

I'll order a better regulator like the one mentioned here.At the moment I'm changing the wires between batteries but that's not the right way to do it .