What could I use my old solar panel for?

[Lizbiebrowne]

I currently have a 100 W solar panel that will become redundant when I fit a 400 W solar panel to charge a 120 Ahr Li battery via a Votronic MPP430 MPPT charger.

I don’t have to remove the old panel (which currently feeds a Duo battery PWM controller capable of charging a lead acid, but not a Li, battery) in order to fit the new panel so I’m thinking perhaps I should keep it in place but what for? . Does anyone have any thoughts about how I could make use of it?

 

[Jev88]

Link it direct to engine battery or do you have dual controller already?

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

As above .to the engine starter battery

 

[Lenny HB]

solar panel to charge a 120 Ahr Li battery via a Votronic MPP430 MPPT charger.

The MPP430 has problems with Lithium the others in the same range are OK. I would change for a Victron Blue Smart controller.

Have a chat with RogerIvy of OffGrid Power Solutions, 10% discount for Funsters.

 

[Lizbiebrowne]

Link it direct to engine battery or do you have dual controller already?

The new Votronic MPP 430 has the facility to provide a small current to the starter battery but, yes, that an idea.

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[Lizbiebrowne]

The MPP430 has problems with Lithium the others in the same range are OK. I would change for a Victron Blue Smart controller.

Have a chat with RogerIvy of OffGrid Power Solutions, 10% discount for Funsters.

I've had the Votronic MPP430 connected to my Li battery for a while using the old 100 W panel that I'm going to replace. What's the issue with it? Keeps the Li and starter batteries charged.

 

[Lenny HB]

I've had the Votronic MPP430 connected to my Li battery for a while using the old 100 W panel that I'm going to replace. What's the issue with it? Keeps the Li and starter batteries.

When the sun comes up in the morning they don't start charging and you can hear a relay clicking, pull the 30 amp fuse & replace and it works until the next morning. I know more than one person who gave up with them but they had a lot more solar than you, so keep your eye on it when you fit the bigger panel.