Solar question
I am working through the solar deal hopping to have something in place for the spring. Right now I am looking at 200 to 250 watts worth of panels that I can expand in the future. Just so I understa...
Forum Discussion
For 1. You can get two Solar 30 charge controllers to handle 500 watts, run 250 watts through each one, separately, then run one set of panels to one set of paired 6v batteries, and the other panel to the other controller, and other set of batteries.
To charge, set the voltage to about 14.8 to 15.3V daily, depending on what voltage your battery manufacturer recommends for top charging. To equalize, top charge first one day, and with sun still remaining strong, connect from the solar panel directly to the battery and watch the voltage until the battery comes up to a full 16.0V or the specific gravity comes up to a full 1.280 or more. Then reinstate the Solar 30 into the circuit. You will need to babysit batteries for voltage while equalizing the first few times, until you understand the routine and amount of time involved to do an equalize charge. 10 amps for a couple of 6v batteries is plenty for a good EQ.
Equalize charging is always done with your batteries disconnected from your electrical system, and isolated, to prevent electrical overload of circuitboards on refrigerators and such.
To charge, set the voltage to about 14.8 to 15.3V daily, depending on what voltage your battery manufacturer recommends for top charging. To equalize, top charge first one day, and with sun still remaining strong, connect from the solar panel directly to the battery and watch the voltage until the battery comes up to a full 16.0V or the specific gravity comes up to a full 1.280 or more. Then reinstate the Solar 30 into the circuit. You will need to babysit batteries for voltage while equalizing the first few times, until you understand the routine and amount of time involved to do an equalize charge. 10 amps for a couple of 6v batteries is plenty for a good EQ.
Equalize charging is always done with your batteries disconnected from your electrical system, and isolated, to prevent electrical overload of circuitboards on refrigerators and such.
