How to Integrate solar panel to existing DBS?
I have a DBS set up for a D2A. I confess mine is a Pirahna, but the Traxide diagram was the basis of my wiring.
At this link, it is set up very similar to Setup Option A: SC80PCWK_Info
I have no forward anderson plug, and I have a winch in the circuit as well, drawing from both batteries.
At the rear, I have the anderson plug for the camper, and a power distribution board (fuze block) from the second battery that provides power for:
I have recently purchased a second hand roof rack which has a solar panel on it. How and where do I introduce a regulator of some sort?
- arb compressor,
- rearward facing leds on the roof rack,
- led strips for the awning
- the rear 12v power socket now runs from this as well.
- I have about 4 spare points if needed.
Other considerations:
The camper has a 100AH battery, and I would like to be able to charge this via solar, either directly, indirectly through the D2, or possibly with its own panel feeding back to the D2?
Electrickery is not my strong point so I would appreciate ideas.
TIA.
Last edited by Hamish71; 9th January 2013 at 08:55 AM. Reason: spelling mistakes
Master
Easiest way to do it is also the most straightforward. Assuming you're just looking to charge the camper battery - just run the solar panel down to this though a simple solar regulator. This will trickle charge the camper battery, and the rest of the system will do what it's always done.
ChatterBox
x2. Pretty much exactly what I have and worked great on my last 6 day trip without power and a 65L dual zone fridge/freezer.Originally Posted by mike_ie
Another way of looking at it: Your start battery is always protected by the battery separator and charged by the alternator.
Your AUX battery is what powers all your accessories and can be run flat.
Connect solar to AUX.
Master
SupporterYou need a "Battery Charge Controller" to prevent boiling the daylights out of your second battery. I'd recommend getting a Plasmatronics brand and following the wiring instructions. They're not the cheapest, but they're the best. You may pick up a s/h item from one of the usual auction sites for say $20. Make sure it's a 12 v. model and it will handle the current output from your solar panel, perhaps 40 -80 watts. Good luck! - Rob S
ChatterBox
True, although solar regulators should have this built in. Even the cheap ones have this feature, so just don't buy one without it.
OK...had a look at the Plasmatronics.....looks simple enough.
The wiring diagram obviously shows the connection from the panel, to the regulator/battery.
Could, Instead of connecting it to the battery terminals, connect it in to the wiring to the rear anderson plug. See Option A this link SC80PCWK_Info
ie, the point whereby the main cable has a joiner to allow power to be taken to the two power sockets.
Would this then provide charge to both the Auxilary battery, AND the camper trailer (assuming the trailer was connected via the anderson plug).
ChatterBox
The rear anderson plug in that diagram appears to connect directly to the AUX battery terminal, so yes that will work. The battery terminal, or a wire connected to the battery terminal is electrically the same circuit.
However:
(1) it is good practice to minimise the wire length between the solar regulator and the battery. The longer that wire is, the less efficient the solar will be at charging. IF the wire was a very high thickness/gauge, then in theory a few metres here could be OK.
(2) Depending on the details of how you connect, you are bypassing the fuses between solar power source and load. Fuses should be as close to power source as possible.
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