solar panel switching

[Champagne Murphy]

If one wanted (say) to be able to switch a solar panel off is it sufficient to use a single pole switch? Or should a dipole be used? Ignoring the whys and wherefores of regulators etc

 

[jaybirder]

If one wanted (say) to be able to switch a solar panel off is it sufficient to use a single pole switch? Or should a dipole be used? Ignoring the whys and wherefores of regulators etc

Not an expert but I was always under the impression that a SP should never be disonnected from a battery if producing power.

 

[Georgio]

I have used a single pole switch to connect/disconnect a solar panel from the electrical system, not been any problems with that.

It's unusual for me to switch if off when on-board but the pannel is disconnected when I'm away from the boat.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Not an expert but I was always under the impression that a SP should never be disonnected from a battery if producing power.

I can't see any reason why that would be the case, though as ever I'm open to enlightenment.

 

[Trop Cher]

I hope it's not the case!

 

[Stemar]

If one wanted (say) to be able to switch a solar panel off is it sufficient to use a single pole switch? Or should a dipole be used? Ignoring the whys and wherefores of regulators etc

Out of curiosity, assuming you have a regulator, why would you want to? Mine stay plugged in 365 days a year.

 

[born2sail61]

I have a freestanding 50w panel i use when moored,plugs into cigarette lighter socket.only disconnecting when not producing power isn't really practical.never been a problem anyway!

 

[Champagne Murphy]

Out of curiosity, assuming you have a regulator, why would you want to? Mine stay plugged in 365 days a year.

Got two now. First one was playing up so got another which immediately began outputting. First one turned out to have a tarnished wire joint. If I have a switch on one I can tell very quickly if they are both working. Just looking at the output doesn't help because the closer the battery gets to full the less draw there is on the panel(s)

 

[Rigger Mortice]

A single pole switch will be fine.

To be pedantic a "dipole" is something else altogether. A two pole switch would usually be described as either two, twin or dual pole.

 

[Champagne Murphy]

A single pole switch will be fine.

To be pedantic a "dipole" is something else altogether. A two pole switch would usually be described as either two, twin or dual pole.

Very useful pedantry if I might say so

 

[Stemar]

Got two now. First one was playing up so got another which immediately began outputting. First one turned out to have a tarnished wire joint. If I have a switch on one I can tell very quickly if they are both working. Just looking at the output doesn't help because the closer the battery gets to full the less draw there is on the panel(s)

Seems reasonable

I got two small panels because the only sensible place to put mine was on the hatch garage and one panel in the sun and one shaded by the boom gives more output than one big panel in partial shade.