Maximizing Solar output
Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:58 pm
Just a quick note. I have a 440AH AGM battery main bank. I found it annoying that the regulator for my solar panels would not provide full output until the bank voltage runs down a bit. SInce its a large bank depending on timing of running electrical items I was wasting the sunlight. So I finally decided to do something about this and install a 3 way switch (just used a small battery switch) running the solar panel + to the common stud, the regulator solar + to the #1 stud and the house bank + to the #2 stud.
I normally leave the switch on 1 so the regulator is in control but when I'm cruising I set it to #1 direct to the panel during the day. Works quite well and even if I forget to set it back to regulator the nighttime loss is small and battery damage due to overcharging is not likely since my panels are only 1-2% of the 440AH.
A simple solution that everyone probably knows about but just in case its helpful I'd figured I'd post this.
I normally leave the switch on 1 so the regulator is in control but when I'm cruising I set it to #1 direct to the panel during the day. Works quite well and even if I forget to set it back to regulator the nighttime loss is small and battery damage due to overcharging is not likely since my panels are only 1-2% of the 440AH.
A simple solution that everyone probably knows about but just in case its helpful I'd figured I'd post this.