Thread: Aldi 40W Solar panel Kit

Originally Posted by Scallops

Do you think the 18V output is the right port to connect the alligator clips that go to a 12V battery as per the manual?

Yes... the 12V and USB ports should be limited to 12V and 5V respectively - you aren't going to charge a 12V battery by feeding in 12V from solar.

Thanks. I calculate that we use about 24-28Ah/day when we camp. That is for my total consumption from my 40 litre Engel and a 12V Versa light.

This 40W system, as per my last calculation, will generate about 14Ah/day, so effectively I am adding 50% to the length of time I can camp on my setup.

And that is just what I was looking for.

Another question - do all controllers have some diode setup? I'm wondering if I can leave the panels connected to the battery after dark?

Yes they do or should have, stops the battery draining back into the panel overnight and sending it flat.

One of our electronics engineers opened the controller at my request - the help desk doesn't know if there is diode protection or any preventative overcharging circuitry. The result is there isn't, so I'm buying one of these - we have plenty of 18 guage wire, fuses etc to finish an improved setup.....

12V 5A Battery Charging Regulator for Solar Panels - Jaycar Electronics

Well thats a shame it doesn't but for another 30 bucks I suppose its not to bad

Originally Posted by Kevin B

Well thats a shame it doesn't but for another 30 bucks I suppose its not to bad

For less than $3 at Jaycar you can buy a "heavy duty" Zener diode... cut one of the cables between the battery and controller, re-solder the cable either side of the diode (correct direction for current flow) , cover with heat shrink tubing. No more reverse flow.... not exactly 'elegant' but it should do the job...

I find it highly unlikely that the controller supplied with the panels would allow a battery to be discharged (power the panels) in low/no light with the panels connected - even the real cheapies have this functionality.

I would be connecting the controller to a battery without the panels connected and checking whether the there is power from the batteries through the controller.

Garry

The redraw issue is very negligable according to my colleague - wouldn't discharge the battery no, but it does not have diodes.....But the lack of smart charging capability - turning to trickle by detecting when the battery is fully charged was what I really wanted to fix, because of how I intend to use it.

I'll post up some picks of my modified setup once I have it done.