07-03-2018, 11:47 AM
When boondocking it is also possible to tailor one's electrical usage for how much recharging capacity they have.
"mornng voltage' the voltage before the sunlight hits the solar panels, can give good indications of just how much battery was used overnight.
One is hoping for 12.4v or higher morning voltage, but even if lower one is really hoping that 14.4+ v can be achieved by the solar panels by noon or 1 oclock and held there until late afternoon as this gives the best chance of actually fully charging the battery before the next discharge cycle begins, which is important to achieving good to very good battery longevity.
Many days in a row without getting the battery full will have the battery petulant and morning voltage will be lower nd lower each morning, and the battery needing that much more time to recharge.
A 10 amp solar charge controller does not leave much room for adding another panel to your 120 watt panel, but it is also possible to not bother using a solar controller, especially on a portable set up. One Can just hook a solar panel directly to a battery. The danger arises when that solar panel, by itself, can overvoltage the battery, which is not going to happen until the battery is closer to being fully charged.
So another panel hooked directly tpo battery in morning aimed at the sun, can allow one to reach absorption voltage much earlier, allowing enough time to fully charge the battery, and say at 2Pm the rthe solar panel on teh solar controller can take over holding the battery at absorption voltage by itself, and the directly attached solar panel can be removed.
Do note it is better for the panel and the 12v system, if the panel is not in Full sun when connected or disconnected. If the panel isin Full sun making 21 volts when hooked directly to the 12v system there will be a few microseconds of upto 21v in the wiring which some things may not like.
Disconnecting the panel from batteries in full sun could be considered a 'load dump' and perhaps blow the solar panel diodes.
The damaging effects can be instant or cumulative and perhaps a complete NON issue.
When hooking or unhooking solar panels I tilt/lean them away from direct sunlight, and have broken this 'rule' many times, so far without consequence.
Portable panel directions will likely not mention this 'cushioning' procedure, and it might not be required at all with a solar controller involved, but it cannot hurt, and could be, perhaps Will be, long term beneficial to the components involved, allowig them to live and perform well, well past their warranty period.
"mornng voltage' the voltage before the sunlight hits the solar panels, can give good indications of just how much battery was used overnight.
One is hoping for 12.4v or higher morning voltage, but even if lower one is really hoping that 14.4+ v can be achieved by the solar panels by noon or 1 oclock and held there until late afternoon as this gives the best chance of actually fully charging the battery before the next discharge cycle begins, which is important to achieving good to very good battery longevity.
Many days in a row without getting the battery full will have the battery petulant and morning voltage will be lower nd lower each morning, and the battery needing that much more time to recharge.
A 10 amp solar charge controller does not leave much room for adding another panel to your 120 watt panel, but it is also possible to not bother using a solar controller, especially on a portable set up. One Can just hook a solar panel directly to a battery. The danger arises when that solar panel, by itself, can overvoltage the battery, which is not going to happen until the battery is closer to being fully charged.
So another panel hooked directly tpo battery in morning aimed at the sun, can allow one to reach absorption voltage much earlier, allowing enough time to fully charge the battery, and say at 2Pm the rthe solar panel on teh solar controller can take over holding the battery at absorption voltage by itself, and the directly attached solar panel can be removed.
Do note it is better for the panel and the 12v system, if the panel is not in Full sun when connected or disconnected. If the panel isin Full sun making 21 volts when hooked directly to the 12v system there will be a few microseconds of upto 21v in the wiring which some things may not like.
Disconnecting the panel from batteries in full sun could be considered a 'load dump' and perhaps blow the solar panel diodes.
The damaging effects can be instant or cumulative and perhaps a complete NON issue.
When hooking or unhooking solar panels I tilt/lean them away from direct sunlight, and have broken this 'rule' many times, so far without consequence.
Portable panel directions will likely not mention this 'cushioning' procedure, and it might not be required at all with a solar controller involved, but it cannot hurt, and could be, perhaps Will be, long term beneficial to the components involved, allowig them to live and perform well, well past their warranty period.