Solar panel regulator output voltage

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by pkrboo, Apr 4, 2016.

  1. The thicker the better basically
     
  2. Get the mt50 remote meter and programming it that way, leave charge controller in the engine bay. It's where @zedders is
     
    sANDYbAY likes this.
  3. For goodness sake, this is turning into a solar PV arms race! I find myself seriously thinking about more panels and swapping my controller for a higher amperage one. Arghhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  4. Hahahahahaha
     
    Bertiebot likes this.
  5. theBusmonkey

    theBusmonkey Sponsor

    MC4 connectors are available where you can solder them on to the cable. They clip together. Use correct solar cable, which is 4mm to match the MC4 connectors :D
     
  6. sANDYbAY

    sANDYbAY On benefits-won't sponsor!

    I'm sure I read in the specifications that the wire was 2.5mm with MC4 connectors on.
    I'll just go and check......
     
  7. sANDYbAY

    sANDYbAY On benefits-won't sponsor!

    Yup. Single core 0.9 metres of solar cable with a cross section of 2.5mm
     
  8. sANDYbAY

    sANDYbAY On benefits-won't sponsor!

    That did occur to me but I wondered if it would work OK in that environment
     
  9. sANDYbAY

    sANDYbAY On benefits-won't sponsor!

    Well if you'd decided that yesterday I could have bought your controller off you nice and cheap 'cos its second hand.
     
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  10. theBusmonkey

    theBusmonkey Sponsor

    Ideally you want 4mmsq. The MC4's will take cable with an od of 5 to 9mm but it's the wire inside that carries the current!
     
  11. sANDYbAY

    sANDYbAY On benefits-won't sponsor!

    That makes sense, but the ones I'm getting are definately 2.5mm as is the 5metre extension wires I've bought.

    Something else has just occurred to me. My cables will be flexing. Through 30 or 40 degrees every time the top goes up and down. How would single core cable cope with that do you think?
     
    Razzyh likes this.
  12. Razzyh

    Razzyh Supporter

    Well done bob. I had wondered about panels myself and wondered about the cables. I think your plans are great. Also means I can copy you once your finished
     
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  13. theBusmonkey

    theBusmonkey Sponsor

    It's not expensive B, get them to upgrade it or DIY:thumbsup:

    edit: multi core all day long (while the sun shines lol)

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Solar-Pan...252870?hash=item3cf698e486:g:BX4AAOSw7aBVHZP4
     
  14. I just waiting and watching to strike when the time is right:theforce:
     
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  15. sANDYbAY

    sANDYbAY On benefits-won't sponsor!

    That looks more durable. When you fitted yours do you remember if the connection at the panel end is sealed or was it possible to get in to change cables.
    I'll phone photonic-universe tomorrow and have a chat about the cables. Multi strand will be much more resilient to constant flexing.
     
  16. theBusmonkey

    theBusmonkey Sponsor

    Ours had tails on them that were 4mm. so there was no need to get in the box. I did loads (& loads :rolleyes:) of research before I bought as there was scant info at the time for fitting to leisure vehicles. I reasoned 4mm was compatible with connectors & controllers as that was what the market generally used.

    I'm very envious of all you guys who are fitting these lightweight panels now as ours were industrial units designed to sit on the roofs of buildings:eek: They were all that were available at the time without remortgaging.

    Anyway they'll tell you the 2.5mm single core cable is more than capable of handling the current, which it is on a small output panel...but that's OK if you're sticking it to the roof of your shed to charge the battery you use inside to run your radio!

    You really do need to use multi-strand tbh
     
    matty and sANDYbAY like this.
  17. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    I chose my panel because it came with enough cable already attached. Lazy or what. :D
     
    sANDYbAY likes this.
  18. I'll be selling my controller and remote meter soon
     
  19. Yep multi strand 4mm squared cable all day long. The panels I have had the thicker wires added to it, so I would say that you should be able to get in and add thicker cables the reseal with sealant.
     
    sANDYbAY likes this.
  20. If someone very hypothetically were to decide to add an extra panel would it be wired in series or parallel with the original one? Just hypothetically of course.......a "friend" was interested
     

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