22.3v solar reading, photonics universe? (1 Viewer)

[Ed Scratcher]

Hi, I’m really getting my subscription money’s worth, but changing to a 2021 Elddis Ducato is very different to my old 2013 Autocruise Jazz . So here’s another question. Is this reading to be expected from a 100w panel into 2 x 12v batteries? Apologies for the poor image.

 

[pappajohn]

No, that's either a low 24v or more likely the solar controller has failed.
There's usually around 22v from panel to controller then it's reduced to around 14v to the battery.
That's throwing 22v into your battery which will boil.
Have you had the battery disconnected?

 

[Richard n Ann]

Is that an arrow pointing down from the panel? Indicating it's panel voltage

 

[Guigsy]

If that's the voltage from the panel, then it's probably ok. If that's the voltage it's sending to the battery, then it'd be boiling.

 

[pappajohn]

Is that an arrow pointing down from the panel? Indicating it's panel voltage

I missed that due to the blurry image.

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[funflair]

Yes it's not the best image but I believe it is panel voltage so OK, depending on the state of charge of the batteries you could expect this to be lower, likewise a MPPT regulator would pull the panel voltage down further and give you more amps to the batteries.

 

[Ed Scratcher]

Panicked for a bit, yes there is an arrow pointing down from solar, arrows to batteries show between 14.1 and 13.6v(ish). So is the suggestion this is probably a PWM regulator?
I’m struggling with the photonics instructions. Thanks for all your swift replies! Ed

 

[Guigsy]

Both PWM and MPPT will affect the voltage of the solar panel. And the amount of sun and the load on the panel will alter its voltage. At full summer sunshine, they'll behave about the same. The difference is that MPPT can adjust it's apparent resistance, to squeeze more power out of the panel in less than ideal conditions.

 

[Ed Scratcher]

Thanks Guigsy, I had hoped I already had a MPP regulator to get the best out of a modest sized panel, how do you tell the difference? I suppose we have to expect manufacturers to go for the cheapest option.

 

[funflair]

Thanks Guigsy, I had hoped I already had a MPP regulator to get the best out of a modest sized panel, how do you tell the difference? I suppose we have to expect manufacturers to go for the cheapest option.

I believe that it will be a PWM controller so yes you could get more out with MPPT.

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