Solar Panel regulators

[Fascadale]

I have two 40watt panels and two batteries, start and domestic, plus a 1,2,both, off switch.

I want to connect the two panels to a regulator which will charge the start battery first and will then automatically switch over to charge the domestic battery. Does such a device exist?

At present the start battery is 55(?) Amp hrs, the domestic 85 Amp hrs. I plan to double the domestic capacity.

Thanks.

 

[fireball]

I've just bought a solar regulator from Maplin - I've only got a 20w panel - but I think the device I've got would work for you ..

It doesn't do one then the other - it just switches on the charge to the cells that do not have sufficient voltage ..

http://www.maplin.co.uk/dual-16a-solar-charge-regulator-266145

 

[ghostlymoron]

I would add a volt sensitive relay and a solar regulator. Connect the panels directly through the regulator to the 'house' battery(s). The engine battery will take care of itself because, every time you start the engine, 15 mins of running will recharge it. The excess if you run for extended periods will top up the 'house' battery through the VSR. The existing 1-2-B switch can be retained for distribution only with a useful facility to double up starting current in emergencies.
A VSR is about £60 and you can get a simple solar regulator off ebay for about a tenner. Your existing wiring should be satisfactory but will obviously need re-terminating. You must incorporate a fuse in the feed from the solar panel.

 

[davidbfox]

I get a regulator from eBay for about £35 last winter. It has worked fine all year and kept batteries full. Once connected it is a 'fit and forget'.

 

[vyv_cox]

What you want does exist, I have had one by Sunware, replaced years ago by a Sunworks one. They are rather more sophisticated than the Maplins ones but they are not cheap. Mine has displays of voltages in both batteries, which one is being charged, and the current being supplied. About £100.