Hi E Folk, would you please be able to help me with connecting a 100w solar panel that I have just ordered (Jackery SolarSaga 100w - from Amazon). I have found a plug point on my blue wiring board (inside the wardrobe of my 530). See photo below. Is this an “Anderson” connection and do I just plug the panel in to here and from there it will charge the battery and run the lights ??? Also do you think the Jackery has a built in controller to stop it over charging the battery ?

Many thanks in advance.

Robbie

You need a controller to prevent the panel overcharging

The connector that you have highlighted is not an Anderson connector, they are much bigger than that.

Wenn Sie hier auf Links zu eBay klicken und einen Kauf tätigen, kann dies dazu führen, dass diese Website eine Provision erhält.

Ray is correct: you need a 3 way Mate-N-Lock Male connecter

https://www.electricalcarservices.com/3-...ASABEgJx7fD_BwE

or

Werbung: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324357803908?...rwAAOSwAFJd0nmK

Thanks Just Chillin. If I plug my solar panel into there will that then charge the battery ? I guess I will also have to buy a solar controller and put that in line between the solar panel and the plug ?

Hi

I was interested in a panel to charge our battery in storage and had a look on Amazon. According to the Q&A, the panel isn't waterproof, Amazon link is that ok?

Charlie

The connector on the Schaudt CSV409 electroblock is designed for the cable supplied with a Schaudt LRM1218 solar regulator. However, any suitable PWM or MPPT regulator will do but you will then have to provide your own cable and plug. The solar panel connects to the regulator which then connects to the electroblock where it is distributed to the battery through a 15A fuse. You can also connect the regulator output directly to the battery (using a suitable fuse).

Connecting a solar panel directly to the electroblock or battery without a regulator will almost certainly result in damage.

Brilliant, thank you John.

Hi Charlie. I had a look on the Nitecore.com web site as their folding solar panel is described as waterproof as its made from ETFE, thats the same as the Jackery panel. IMHO I think it will be resistant as least, and if used on the tilt then, and you keep an eye on the weather it will last well. Thanks for your information btw. Robbie

I totally concur with RS advice about connecting solar panels via any suitable PWM or MPPT (via the Schaudt unit or direct to the battery): if the solar panel is connected directly to the Schaudt CS409/A it will eventually try to raise the voltage of the battery above its design voltage and this will nobble the battery

This is what I have done with 2 off 200W panels in parallel using a Victron MPPT which provides around 10A which is fine for the 15A fuse used to protect the control unit.

An MPPT in any case will maximise the amount of power the panels can transfer to the battery whereas direct connections are less efficient.

Most solar panels are waterproof (if not, dont buy them).

Any MPPT or PWM needs to be inside the van since they are not usually waterproof.

Hi JC, I had a look on Amazon and there are lots of controllers ranging from £12 to £90. What flavour should I get, how many Amps ?? Thanks again, Robbie

Depends on the wattage of your panel(s).

The power/voltage/current characteristics of your panel(s) will vary by manufacturer so check the spec of yours to see what current they can produce

And then of course there is the question of quality: more money usually means better performance/longevity

I bought Victron but theyre about £75

You need a controller that can handle the maximum current that your panel(s) can throw at it (not that they will most of the time in this country!) plus a bit more to be safe

About 5 years ago when I was researching portable solar panels, they all seemed to be waterproof and also had built in regulators. Only the really cheap panels didn't. Get what you pay for I guess.

I ended up with a Photonics Universe folding 60W panel which has served me well ever since.

The solar panel you have bought GT has a maximum output of 6A and 21.6V (shoirt circuit and open circuit readings respectively)

You'll need a 24V/10A controller : a good quality one is Victron Energy Bluesolar MPPT Solar Charge Controller Regulator 12V24V (10A 75/10)

If you get a cheaper one it'll probably work just fine but it depends on the criticality of your battery need.

If its just lights I'd probably buy a cheaper one (but bear in mind the cost of replacing the battery if it doesnt regulate the voltage properly) but I need a quality battery system so paid the extra.