Hello RVers! Maybe someone can tell me (with a good meter) on what your 12V batteries are charged to when this panel is done charging them? Thank you
1763290
With the controller saying a 100% SOC my meter is matching the controllers number at 13.7.
1220389
Yes, You should put a charge controller in line to batteries, rated at the proper amps/watts so you don't overcharge batt.
1509042
The panel puts out 12V DC, so charging the 12V starting battery is no problem. I wouldn't charge a 24V system with a 12V panel, but if you disconnect each of the 2 12V batteries for the trolling motor and charge them separately, that would work.
1140535
These connect to the supplied (or a replacement) charge controller which connects thru a fuse to your battery. If your generator also charges the battery then this charge controller simply will be over shadowed by the generators charger (as in at night). I have it connected this way and it works fine. (Both chargers in parallel with no issues.) I'm keeping this charge controller as a spare and have replaced it in my RV with http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/spec_sheet_kid_frontBack.pdf. I ended up getting a total of 4 of these panels for a 400W system. The Kid essentially adds another virtual panel due to it's improved efficiency.
2006833
If you use a battery tender to maintain your batteries when not in use, then I would imagine you have the pig tail attached. Just plug into the pig tail. However if you are not charging the big battery in some way it will draw it down. My opinion, if you camp a lot, invest in a good quality solar charger.
395358
A charge controller protects the batteries from over charge.The % charged is probably only a meter.Also, a controller should convert PVC voltage to match voltage rating of batteries (16-19v to 12v)
1563980
I think that the voltage is about 15 volts. I leave mine charging my RV battery andhave no problem with it. It stays charging for months at a time.
1042254
What kind of charge controller are you using? and how are you measuring the wattage? How long are your wire runs? Make sure you use large wire size....#8 minimum. Are you charging a bank of batteries?
264281
This is a typical panel designed to charge a 12v battery. This means realistically that the voltage will be tied to the voltage of the battery. As the voltage in the battery increases ( due to charging ), so will the voltage produced by the panel. You need to have a charge controller between the panel and your battery, or you will damage your battery. This will disconnect the panel once your battery is fully charged. Typically, charge controllers will also limit the voltage to around 14.4 volts or so. Cars actually run at 13.8v, not 12v.
1173233
Eileen, Thank you for your purchasing.The situation is normal in most of cases.The 5w kit can charge 1-2AH/day to a 12v battery in good sunshine. So if the battery is larger than 12v 10ah, it take more time to full charge the battery.You can use a multi meter to test the current to the battery to confirm that the panel is still charging the battery.
1509655
In using a couple of these panels I have found no need to use a regulator when charging ordinary lead-acid batteries. I have not tried them on gel cells or left them unattended on small motorcycle type batteries. The panels appear to be diode protected and they don't appear to create any load on the battery during the night or when the panels are shaded from the sun. These descriptions are based on actual experience using the panels, including maintaining an RV 12-volt system 24/7, and not from the tech manual. So from a practical end-user standpoint, they seem very functional and reliable. In using a couple of these panels I have found no need to use a regulator when charging ordinary lead-acid batteries. I have not tried them on gel cells or left them unattended on small motorcycle type batteries. The panels appear to be diode protected and they don't appear to create any load on the battery during the night or when the panels are shaded from the sun. These descriptions are based on actual experience using the panels, including maintaining an RV 12-volt system 24/7, and not from the tech manual. So from a practical end-user standpoint, they seem very functional and reliable.
1407051
These are 12v panels. Unless you have a 24v mppt controller they should be parallel ( suggest to a combiner box ) feeding the charge controller which maintains the battery / bank state of charge. If these are your only two panels suggest a 20 amp (minimum) charge controller.
2203338
Jaco, I have used that same breaker on my RV solar panel array. I have not had any problems with it. It is well build and it is resettable should it trip. Your load I am assuming is connected directly of the batteries. You did not state how many batteries you have. Should the load be greater then 50 Amps the breaker will trip. As you have stated that your controller output is 30 Amps you should be fine.
1729427
Hello,This particular kit is intended for the use of charging 12v batteries but definitely the type of panel can be used and extra equipment.You should contact your local power/utility company to get more information on what type of system you can get on your home.There are certain building codes that must be met so there may only be a certain amount of panels that your home can support for mounting and such.If you need more information please feel free to contact us any time.Kind Regards,AW
121186
This is the second panel I have purchased for an RV that sits fir several months at a time. I have not had any luck with either a 15w or this 30w. I suspect it is because I have a power leak in the system that drains the battery. If you buy this panel you should also install a switch that isolates the battery when not in use. That is what I plan to do this winter. I think it will work then.
1316170
The panel came with a power regulator to prevent an overcharge but not built in. At 35 watts it is only charging at about 3 amps so it takes several days to charge my 230 amp hour deep cycle RV battery. I use it to keep the batteries topped off in the RV lot and it extends the length of time between charges. You can direct connect the panel but it can damage your battery if you leave it connected to long.
616969
This is why I hooked my 520 watts of panels in series so you halve the amperage. I can add another 2 panels in the future and still keep it under 30 amps. Remember too that the charge controller can charge a normal 12v battery bank, that's what mine is. I recommend making a 24v panel setup.