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Hi,

I am looking for some advice on solar panels for topping up a caravan leisure battery. I only have an 85AH battery, so as far as I can tell I will only need something like a 10w output from the panel. Do I connect it directly to the battery and leave the output leads to the ZIG connected, or should I disconnect from the ZIG while the solar panel is charging the battery? Do I need some form of over-volatge device connected to prevent the battery being overcharged (unlikely in Engand I guess!!)

New to all this so any advice most welcome!!

JTQU

can you expand a little for me...what do you run off this system 85w system...also can you link some panels controlers etc that are of better quality

T-I-A

Kev

Quote: Originally posted by Kevin Massey on 07/5/2011

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JTQU

 

can you expand a little for me...what do you run off this system 85w system...also can you link some panels controlers etc that are of better quality

 

T-I-A

 

Kev

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Quote: Originally posted by JTQU on 07/5/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by Kevin Massey on 07/5/2011

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JTQU

 

can you expand a little for me...what do you run off this system 85w system...also can you link some panels controlers etc that are of better quality

 

T-I-A

 

Kev

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My current 85 Watt system simply replenishes my 90 AH Gel caravan battery. That supports in addition to the heater/boiler/lighting/water pump/automatic fridge etc a couple of hours of TV, radio, DVD player and laptop, camera, phone recharging.
Presently I am using a Morningstar Sunsaver SS10 controller.

http://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/sun-saver

This set up frequently fully recharges the battery before lunch time then cant do anything more.

Whilst this works well we would like on occasions to be able to use more TV and DVD without worrying about "the life support" battery's depletion. Therefore I am gathering bits to simply carry a portable "entertainment system" battery. I have a Morningstar Duo

http://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/sun-saver-duo

This clever unit can be set to priorities on a 90/10% split charging of the "life support" battery over the "entertainment" battery. When the main battery is full it automatically puts 100% to the "entertainment" battery. If that battery is not taken on that trip it automatically gives 100% to the main battery.
I am planning to buy a small 65 AH semi traction battery as the dedicated "entertainment battery" and use it externally, much like the old TP2s of yesteryear were.
I have purchased the optional meter for the Duo to be able to monitor AHs received by the respective batteries.
When this is sorted we will be able to use the TV without any real concerns; or simply not take the portable battery when we know its additional capacity is not going to be required.

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Thanks for the interesting reply.

Would it not be an option to change your 12v leisure battery you have now to a 6v and add a second 6v linked together...this may simplify the usage and give the capacity required?

Thank you for the information - much to consider here, will need to decide exactly what level of power consumption/recovery I need!!

Quote: Originally posted by Kevin Massey on 08/5/2011

Thanks for the interesting reply.

Would it not be an option to change your 12v leisure battery you have now to a 6v and add a second 6v linked together...this may simplify the usage and give the capacity required?

Quote: Originally posted by JTQU on 08/5/2011

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Quote: Originally posted by Kevin Massey on 08/5/2011

Thanks for the interesting reply.

Would it not be an option to change your 12v leisure battery you have now to a 6v and add a second 6v linked together...this may simplify the usage and give the capacity required?

I see what your saying ...thought about changing my main battery to as high a capacity 6v as will fit in th locker and adding a second inside the van under the seat right next to this box and linking them to give me back the 12v but with a big storage capacity.... its extending the existing wires that have put me off a little....just have to see how goes...at the moment w always used EHU I also have a small genny now... but still kicking small ideas about all the time and this one really appeals to me