Voltages on Solar panel set up, please

2475 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Patrick_Phillips, May 25, 2009

Patrick_Phillips

Discussion Starter · May 25, 2009

Just put two 180w up to join the original 120w. Total 480w but left the 120 on original controller and taken the 2x180 through new 30amp straight to batteries.
Everything seems fine but wondering if 14.2 volts on vehicle 95AHr and 16.7v on the 2x120AHr leisure seems about right?
Thanks for any info.
Patrick

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sallytrafic

· #2 · May 25, 2009

Not to me it doesn't

I assume that there is a word missing after 30A and that word is regulator.

You don't say where you are measuring the 16.7V if before the regulator then OK but not if at the battery.

More info please

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vicdicdoc

· #3 · May 25, 2009

Patrick_Phillips said:
. . . 16.7v on the 2x120AHr leisure seems about right? Patrick

16.7v seems a touch high to me - I have 2 x 40W solar panels on the van roof & wired via controller & 'NASA' battery monitor to 2 x 120Ah lead acid leisure batteries & fully charged they consistantly read 14.1v

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spindrifter

· #4 · May 25, 2009

Patrick_Phillips said:
Just put two 180w up to join the original 120w. Total 480w but left the 120 on original controller and taken the 2x180 through new 30amp straight to batteries.
Everything seems fine but wondering if 14.2 volts on vehicle 95AHr and 16.7v on the 2x120AHr leisure seems about right?
Thanks for any info.
Patrick

That does seem rather high - are you using a regulator?

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Patrick_Phillips

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 25, 2009

You are, of course, correct, SallyTraffic. I did mean 30 amp regulator :roll:
I am taking the voltages from the van´s control panel. The actual panel voltage is 28v.
Seeing your comments and others (thanks) I think I´ll get the multimeter out and do a few direct measurements

Patrick

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sallytrafic

· #6 · May 25, 2009

Well I think your control panel is telling you porkies I have never seen a 12V panel go higher than 21V on open circuit and most are lower than 20V.

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CliveMott

· #7 · May 25, 2009

16 volts is wrong. You must check voltage with DMM and if confirmed rectify problem.

One heck of solar real estate though.

C.

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Patrick_Phillips

Discussion Starter · #8 · May 25, 2009

I will check with DMM when I next see 16+ volts but camped under large tree at present as temperatures in mid 30s in Sauvoir 8)
Thanks Clive. You were instrumental in helping to get them installed 8O with your recommendation to Dave Newell :lol:
Patrick

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