Solar panels, regulators, etc

[ianc1200]

I'm about to go away for 10 days on a friends boat in Ireland, and found the regulator that came with my solar panels wasn't working. At short notice, I was only able to get the regulator which is made to work with the Rutland 503 wind generator (the Regulator is the Rutland HRS, the smaller one that's available). I've connected two 30W panels to it, and it in turn is trickle charging two 120Amp hour house batteries. These only are powering the automatic bilge pump, on my wooden boat launched two weeks ago and almost taken up now (I haven't noticed the pump working in last few days).

The question is, the installation diagram for the Regulator shows use of a blocking diode for the panels, & I'm assuming this is because the same diagrams have the generators shown as well.

Am I in any danger of leaving the system as described, for 10 days or so, without the blocking diode?

thanks

IanC

 

[simonfraser]

unlikely for such a short period, but you may be over charging your battery a bit if the sun is out all day
in essex i get 1A per hour max out of two 30W panels

 

[mainmarine]

The blocking diodes are normally fitted to stop a flow of current from the batteries to the solar panels when there is no sun, my panels have them fitted in the cable from the panels

 

[William_H]

I am a bit confused by your quote of 1 amp per hour form 2X 30 watt panels. I assume you mean that they generally deliver 1 amp in the sun with panel facing sun, then I feel that they are not working very well.
60 watts of panel should from my experience give 3 amps of charge. (granted that is at 35 degrees south) but stll I would suggest you check each panel individually to see if they are delivering equal amounts.
yes most panels seem to have a blocking diode int eh connection at the panel. I must say however that I have experimented and can't measure any reverse current into a panel in the dark despite the usual wisdom on the subjest. Have a good trip olewil

 

[simonfraser]

Hi Will,

both lying flat on the deck, one shaded by the top of the dagger board, unless sailing due south and the genoa / code zero is not in the way

if i put them both up facing the sun the output is much higher, about 2.5A