Message Forums

Quote: Originally posted by dwares on 11/8/2009

---

I saw an earlier post that you can connect the output of the Solar panel and regulator to a plug to connect to the Grey Cable on the caravan. I assume that this simulates the car charging the caravan battery and enables the caravan electrics kit to remain connected i.e. no mods required. Is the alternative to connect the regulator output direct to the battery via croc clips leaving the battery connected to the caravan electrics.

Doug

---

Quote: Originally posted by Leisurepower on 09/7/2009

---

Hi bux.

 

The regulator is only fitted to the PORTABLE kits, which are open at the back, and are fitted on non heat conductive adhesive.

 

The regs on fitted panels are of course in the van, and it is these regs that have the state of charge and output indicators.

---

In my case the Reg. is fixed to a plate of marine ply that itself is araldited??? (glued)

onto the back of the panel. 

Quote: Originally posted by JTQU on 12/8/2009

---

Quote: Originally posted by dwares on 11/8/2009

---

I saw an earlier post that you can connect the output of the Solar panel and regulator to a plug to connect to the Grey Cable on the caravan. I assume that this simulates the car charging the caravan battery and enables the caravan electrics kit to remain connected i.e. no mods required. Is the alternative to connect the regulator output direct to the battery via croc clips leaving the battery connected to the caravan electrics.

Doug

---

If you have a modern van then coupling via the "grey plug" is not a good solution.
The reason for saying this is that the feed to the battery via the grey plug isolates the whole internal 12 volt system from the battery, via an on board relay. This is so the cars high alternator/ voltage regulator voltage, possibly 15.2 volts with a modern car, does not wreak sensitive equipment in the van.
So first of all with the solar cell coupled that way nothing in the van will work if the current is high enough to close the isolating relay; and secondly your wasting some of the precious solar output pointlessly powering the relay's coil.

---

Thanks for that. Is the direct connection to the battery in situ the way to go or do I have to isolate the battery from the caravan electrics.

Doug  

.

Quote: Originally posted by dwares on 12/8/2009

Thanks for that. Is the direct connection to the battery in situ the way to go or do I have to isolate the battery from the caravan electrics.

 

Doug  

.

---

---