Simple temp. solar hook up
- Thread starter Deemers
- Start date
autostaretx
Erratic Member
There should be no problem ... when the alternator is running, the solar controller will think the battery is fully charged.
If it supplies current during "alternator time", all it will accomplish is slightly off-loading the alternator.
Just hook it up, it should be fine. (as long as your panels don't use the vehicle frame for their negative feed to the controller. Once you're beyond the controller, the controler's output can use the frame for the negative run to the battery (but doesn't have to))
--dick
If it supplies current during "alternator time", all it will accomplish is slightly off-loading the alternator.
Just hook it up, it should be fine. (as long as your panels don't use the vehicle frame for their negative feed to the controller. Once you're beyond the controller, the controler's output can use the frame for the negative run to the battery (but doesn't have to))
--dick
Kevin.Hutch
2011 Mercedes 313 906
I have an external solar blanket with its own regulator that I connect to the jump start post under the bonnet.
Beware that some solar regulators do not expect the higher voltage (15v) that the Sprinter 'smart' alternator produces and can cause the regulator to overheat and fail.
Most controllers bundled with panels are just sub-par.
Seeing that a Victron MPPT can often be found delivered for under $100,
besides the greater conversion efficiency, user-custom setpoints and monitor / logging via smartphone
something like that is well worth the upgrade cost.
For those not familiar, a "solar blanket" is the flexible folding portable type, up to what 180W or so? Pricey too well over $1 a watt!
Seeing that a Victron MPPT can often be found delivered for under $100,
besides the greater conversion efficiency, user-custom setpoints and monitor / logging via smartphone
something like that is well worth the upgrade cost.
For those not familiar, a "solar blanket" is the flexible folding portable type, up to what 180W or so? Pricey too well over $1 a watt!
OrioN
2008 2500 170" EXT
The OP asked a simple yes/no question, whereby the correct answer is yes and addresses his needs.
As opposed to posts saying popcorn?
Kevin.Hutch
2011 Mercedes 313 906
Having blown up two solar regulators one MPPT and on PWM before realizing the new normal for alternator output voltages, I would have to say that morning star would have to confirm what the specific regulator does with sustained 15v on the load side (as distinct from the solar panel side).
The OP asked a simple yes/no question, whereby the correct answer is yes and addresses his needs.
And yes the solar blanket is a more expensive panel but we have only in the last couple of years seen sub $1 per watt panels when I started with solar we justified $10 per watt on boats. The solar blanket wins hands down on portable storage and fits perfectly across the Sprinter windscreen.
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OrioN
2008 2500 170" EXT
The monkey is wearing purfume.
Nasty.
In fact Mexican spider monkeys are obsessed with perfumes. A research team observed these monkey colonies and found out that they apply a saliva and aromatic plants mixture on themselves by rubbing it on their hands and hair. They re-apply it approximately every two hours!
https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2006/11/30/1801176.htm
In fact Mexican spider monkeys are obsessed with perfumes. A research team observed these monkey colonies and found out that they apply a saliva and aromatic plants mixture on themselves by rubbing it on their hands and hair. They re-apply it approximately every two hours!
https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2006/11/30/1801176.htm
Kevin.Hutch
2011 Mercedes 313 906
I am unaware of the implication to us or the monkey, maybe he will like the popcorn, but let's hope he doesn't get burnt out.
autostaretx
Erratic Member
This could be one of the reasons some of the isolation, controller/charger and inverter manufacturers stress in their manuals to attach their devices to the **battery**, not to the alternator itself. The battery acts as a rather substantial buffer (or capacitor, if you like that mental picture) to soak up transitory "noise" from external gadgets.
--dick
B
billintomahawk
Guest
Some controllers like mine on my 100W Chinese panel are fused internally so if you take them apart you can replace the fuse. I also fuse the output line from the panel to the house battery.
Usually when I blew up the controller I mixed up positive and negative feeds. My controller had no tolerance for that and blew the fuse.
This is the panel I have used for 5 years and the controller. It is extension corded into the house battery via a pigtail using household plugs, receptacle and a shop quality power tool cord.
Simple, effective and easily repositioned to follow the sun.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ECO-100W-S...025415?hash=item5216929cc7:g:w1kAAOSwhFZdU6TR
bill in tomahawk
Usually when I blew up the controller I mixed up positive and negative feeds. My controller had no tolerance for that and blew the fuse.
This is the panel I have used for 5 years and the controller. It is extension corded into the house battery via a pigtail using household plugs, receptacle and a shop quality power tool cord.
Simple, effective and easily repositioned to follow the sun.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ECO-100W-S...025415?hash=item5216929cc7:g:w1kAAOSwhFZdU6TR
bill in tomahawk
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Kevin.Hutch
2011 Mercedes 313 906
That may well be the case reducing the likelihood of a battery disconnect leaving the regulator as the alternator load.
In my case it was just the controller was not designed to accept 15v and it tried to sync the high battery voltage and overheated over a periods of hours of driving.
The problem was accepted by the manufacturer and they replaced my regulator and all the stock at the retailers to upgrade the firmware. I also installed an isolation switch on my DVSR so I could isolate house and start. 5 years later the new one still performs perfectly, regularly seeing 14.8v for extended periods.
The second was a different older cheaper brand PWM on my solar blanket so I just used the spare I had purchased from the old experience.
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