More solar questions!

[Robbie Barr]

Aha yes I apologise again for newbie questions.

 

I have come into two Sharp 12v 250w Solar panels. I am looking at using them to keep my domestic battery bank charged.

 

I'm figuring that one panel into this http://www.stecasolar.com/index.php?Steca_PR_10_30_en to the battery bank (and apparently to a load. I assume this can be a nightlight). Is as simple as it gets. Now I was wondering if I want two panels up and i connect them together, do I then get double the voltage, double the amps or double the watts. I think I know how this works I just want a second opinion.

[Chris Pink]

Aha yes I apologise again for newbie questions.

 

I have come into two Sharp 12v 250w Solar panels. I am looking at using them to keep my domestic battery bank charged.

 

I'm figuring that one panel into this http://www.stecasolar.com/index.php?Steca_PR_10_30_en to the battery bank (and apparently to a load. I assume this can be a nightlight). Is as simple as it gets. Now I was wondering if I want two panels up and i connect them together, do I then get double the voltage, double the amps or double the watts. I think I know how this works I just want a second opinion.

 

assuming your system is 12V then no, yes and yes.

 

With 500W in summer you will need a regulator. The theoretical maximum of your panels is 40A so a 45A regulator is recommended though with that wattage you should think about a more expensive MPPT controller.

 

with a MPPT controller your answers become yes, no and yes.

 

forget the load connection on the regulator.

Edited October 18, 2011 by Chris Pink

[NB Willawaw]

Or if panels wired in parallel using the Steca, no, yes and yes.

 

Aha yes I apologise again for newbie questions.

 

I have come into two Sharp 12v 250w Solar panels. I am looking at using them to keep my domestic battery bank charged.

 

I'm figuring that one panel into this http://www.stecasolar.com/index.php?Steca_PR_10_30_en to the battery bank (and apparently to a load. I assume this can be a nightlight). Is as simple as it gets. Now I was wondering if I want two panels up and i connect them together, do I then get double the voltage, double the amps or double the watts. I think I know how this works I just want a second opinion.

[Chris Pink]

Aha yes I apologise again for newbie questions.

 

I have come into two Sharp 12v 250w Solar panels. I am looking at using them to keep my domestic battery bank charged.

 

I'm figuring that one panel into this http://www.stecasolar.com/index.php?Steca_PR_10_30_en to the battery bank (and apparently to a load. I assume this can be a nightlight). Is as simple as it gets. Now I was wondering if I want two panels up and i connect them together, do I then get double the voltage, double the amps or double the watts. I think I know how this works I just want a second opinion.

 

BTW I have one of these;

 

http://www.savingenergyonline.co.uk/product/499

 

Morningstar mutt's dangly bits of PWM controllers brand new, with the optional extra meter for sale. £140 plus postage.

Edited October 18, 2011 by Chris Pink

[Robbie Barr]

That's great, thanks for the info and link!

 

How do you find it's working out for you, are your batteries staying nicely topped up. What about in the winter?

 

 

 

 

BTW I have one of these;

 

http://www.savingenergyonline.co.uk/product/499

 

Morningstar mutt's dangly bits of PWM controllers brand new, with the optional extra meter for sale. £140 plus postage.