Yet another charging question.

[pessimist]

So, I've installed the two new solar panels and am delighted with their performance. They're wired in series on a wander lead so can be moved to wherever gives the best sunlight (they're for use only on the mooring or at anchor). In conjunction with the existing panel I'm regularly seeing low teens of amps being produced. Our overnight usage is c20ah so this is replaced fairly quickly.

I'm wondering about a VSR to use some of the excess production to charge the other battery bank. Potential fly in the ointment is that bank one is open lead acid and bank two sealed. I don't think this will matter for the solar 'cos have the controller set up for sealed. However, I also have a Sterling mains charger capable of charging the two banks at different rates. If I understand correctly a VSR effectively "parallels" the two banks. Does this mean that the Sterling could potentially overcharge the sealed batteries.

Maybe a silly question, but I just hate the thought of all those surplus amps falling out and lying around on the floor

Thanks,

Colin

 

[Pete7]

We rarely use our Sterling digital charger now we have solar panels. You could de-tune the sterling to the sealed battery setting, as a quick and easy option when you use shore power which if its overnight in a marina then it won't make much difference, just longer charging times.