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Subject Topic: Connecting solar panel Post Reply Post New Topic
Personmiss baritone
via mobile 30/6/2021 at 4:35pm
 Location: hartlepool
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We camp off grid at dog shows quite a lot and I’m investing in a suitcase style solar charger to use. Before anyone suggests anything else it’s all I can afford, money is tight. The one I have seen connects with crocodile clips but there’s no room to connect direct to the battery terminals. Will it still work if I clip it to the metal connectors?
It might be a bit of a silly question but I don’t know anything about the electrics and it’s a brand new battery and connectors so I don’t want to damage anything

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PersonDave and Cyn
via mobile 30/6/2021 at 7:14pm
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As long as you can connect without the clamps shorting out on anything it should be fine.
We use a folding panel as well. I took the clamps off and spliced it onto the battery cables with a short length of cable long enough to reach outside the battery box then a 2 pin plug to connect to the panel.


Personjohnjory
30/6/2021 at 7:19pm
 Location: Lowestoft Suffolk
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Difficult to be certain without seeing the connectors to which you refer or the power (Watts) of your panel.

Without being technical, what you are looking for is a good metal to metal contact over as much surface area as possible. If contact is poor or too small, connectors can heat up.

At a guess, assuming your panel is 100W or less an the connectors take a 6mm or larger bolt you should be fine, but check them for heating frequently till you are sure they stay cool.

Unless you have a pacemaker, panels/batteries are only 15 Volts max, so don't worry about electric shock from battery terminals / clips through your fingers.

Hope this helps.


Persontrog100
30/6/2021 at 7:44pm
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you can as an alternative wire in a separate flyleed plug and socket connector just to make connecting things up easier..

i dont like crocodile clips i think they are messy untidy things.. .. :)

trog


Personnavver
30/6/2021 at 8:21pm
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It would be handy to know how many watts it is so we know what you are talking about.

If you have a 12volt socket in the caravan you could plug it into that. Be aware that the plug part will be live when the panel is open and working.

So plug it in first then open the suitcase. Close the suitcase before unplugging. This will also ensure there is a fuse in the circuit and be easy to use.

Run the cable in through a window and possibly remove it at night for safety when it won't be charging anyway.

I'm not a lover of crocodile clips especially for a battery in a very small compartment and will be very fiddly to set up each time. Fine on a workbench.

Ideally an external socket permanently wired in would be the best way to connect.


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PersonFrancais
via mobile 04/7/2021 at 1:15pm
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I agree with trog100, crocodile clips are a PITA, to work with, use a Anderson SB50 connector they are almost made for the job, they come in three flavours depending on cable size 6mm, 10mm or 16mm.



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