Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Light Overland Vehicle Tech
Solar Panel Charging: How To Regulate The Charge? Solar Panel Charging: How To Regulate The Charge?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Light Overland Vehicle Tech Tech issues, tips and hints, prepping for travel
Under 3500kg vehicles, e.g. Land Cruiser, Land Rover, Subaru etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree4Likes

Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 20 Aug 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave The Hat View Post
Guys, what's your thoughts on this panel? A big wattage, will be used in West Africa so plenty of sunshine, should easily trickle enough juice in to keep the leisure batteries topped up:

Solar panel 250W ~ 24V ~ Mono ~Made in EU~ | eBay

personally I would never buy from a seller that spouts such tosh!

NO panel is 100% efficient. the best on the market at the moment are about 18% efficient and cost double the price of this panel.
This panel is a domestic panel, it is not designed for vehicular use. Now, you can use domestic panels, that in itself isn't a problem. I supplied one for my uncle to use on his yacht, but I made sure it was one man enough for the job, and a yacht is a very different environment to a truck.
It isn't 24V. Not that this matters especially, the regulator can deal with that, but it's still more tosh.
I have never heard of this panel. that may or may not be a problem as there are so many you can't know them all, but I am instantly suspiscious of panels with names I don't recognise, because there is a lot of tosh out there.

Now of course, it's entirely possible I don't know what I am talking about, but my company is Dorset Solar Power Ltd
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 20 Aug 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
Thanks for your thoughts Moggy! Will have a look for another, did seem very cheap for the wattage when compared to others.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 20 Aug 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
More reading - where efficiency counts is in a race ...

AERL - Solar Charge Controller - MPPT solar car controller
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 28 Aug 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
Thanks for all the information guys.

Just one question: Is there actually such a thing as a 24V panel? Alot of them say 12v/24v?

I take that to mean that it's basically a 12v panel that can be used via an MPPT controller to charge 2x12v batteries wired in series (ie a 24v system).

If so, I can buy any panel described as 12v, and use it with an MPPT controller to charge my 24v system? Or am I missing a trick?
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 28 Aug 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Cells within a panel can be connected together to form close to a desired voltage. Panels can also be connected together to form larger voltages (series connection) or connected together to form larger currents (parallel connection) at the same voltage ...

MPPT can be designed to BUCK (reduce) the voltage OR to BOOST (increase) the voltage.

The variations are large. What works best depends on the installation;
all panels lit to the same degree all the time?
load is best at what voltage?
money?

And of course what is available
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 28 Aug 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
Hi Warin,

THanks for your thoughts.

Basically want to make sure our fridge can keep working, as it has an internal regulator that cuts the fridge off when it senses the batteries are down to 22.8volts.

Load of the fridge is 4.5 amps per hour, but presume this is if running continuously.

I have some LED lights too but the draw these make is very small.

So all up a panel capabale of 5 amps per hour charge.

I really don't want to have 2 panels wired together. Ideally want one panel that can charge the 2x12v batteries wired in series.

David
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
1vj charging test readings.... mavis cruet Yamaha Tech 2 21 Mar 2013 01:14

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:21.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top