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Thread: I have a solar panel

  1. 27th January 2010, 10:12 AM #1
    Bigbjorn
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    I have a solar panel

    I have acquired a solar panel (Thanks, Dave). It shows 19 volts on my VOM. It has a blocker diode installed and two short wires coming out of the black box on the back. What items do I need to have it charge a free-standing 12 volt lead acid battery? I want to use it when camping.
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  2. 27th January 2010, 11:37 AM #2
    richard4u2 Guest
    what size panel is it (watts)
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  3. 27th January 2010, 12:14 PM #3
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    Redback
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    If it is 20watts or below, all you need to do is connect the two wires (red and black I assume) to your battery.

    If above 20watts then you'll need a solar panel voltage regulator to use it to charge the battery.

    Look here;

    Solar Online Australia - Solar System Basics

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  4. 27th January 2010, 12:16 PM #4
    Bigbjorn
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    It is 37 watts and has a red and a black wire.
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  5. 27th January 2010, 04:16 PM #5
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    bruiser69
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    Quote Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm View Post
    It is 37 watts and has a red and a black wire.
    What is size of the battery (batteries) you have in camper?
    If greater than 130-150AH you could probably get away with direct connection, just monitor battery voltage a couple of times during the day to ensure that oltage does not exceed approx 14V. If you have sealed gel cell or AGM the max charge voltage should be somewhere on battery or just Google the make & model number for this info. To save all this hassle get a regulator.
    EvilBay has loads of cheap solar regulators. For your size panel even the lowest current will do, as your max charge current will only be about 2.5A.
    Dick Smith, Jaycar have quite a range as do the specialist 12 Volt & Solar shops.
    Cheers..B
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  6. 27th January 2010, 05:44 PM #6
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    Blknight.aus
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    like I said when I handed it over to you..

    it doesnt make full power and is good for just a bit over an amp at 13V. (its an old panel)

    all you need to do to get it to charge a battery is hook it up, you dont need a regulator for a battery thats n70 size or better.

    if you do want a regulator you can get them from jaycar for about $30ish dollars but the cheap voltage regulator kit will deal with that panel and charge batteries if you put the transistor on a decent heat sink (pop rivet it to a beer can)
    Dave

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