The voltage from my solar panels when disconnected from the controller is 19 volts. Connected to controller it is 13, do I have a problem w controller
145897
Not a problem at all. The controller regulates the voltage to 13 volts since that is the most a 12 volt system can handle.
124993
Did you verify the correct terminals for battery and solar panel were corect?Sounds like charge controller might be bad.You could bypass the charge controller and connect the panel to the battery. Just remember as it can severally overcharge and damage battery.This would confirm operation of the panel and battery. Charge controllers are cheep to replace and can be purchased seperatly.
2082894
If you measure the voltage between the panels and the controller (during good sunlight) you should expect the voltage to be higher, like the 16V mentioned - more in line to what the raw panels will put out, this is dependent on good sunlight and positioned correctly. It could be lower if sunlight is marginal. When you measure the voltage between the batteries and the charge controller you would expect a reading like 13.7 volts. If the voltage is 16 volts going to the batteries you'll boil them, i.e. gas discharge, etc.... The charge controller will regulate the voltage for a proper charging environment. 13.7 volts is appropriate.... If you measure the voltage between the panels and the controller (during good sunlight) you should expect the voltage to be higher, like the 16V mentioned - more in line to what the raw panels will put out, this is dependent on good sunlight and positioned correctly. It could be lower if sunlight is marginal. When you measure the voltage between the batteries and the charge controller you would expect a reading like 13.7 volts. If the voltage is 16 volts going to the batteries you'll boil them, i.e. gas discharge, etc.... The charge controller will regulate the voltage for a proper charging... » Read More If you measure the voltage between the panels and the controller (during good sunlight) you should expect the voltage to be higher, like the 16V mentioned - more in line to what the raw panels will put out, this is dependent on good sunlight and positioned correctly. It could be lower if sunlight is marginal. When you measure the voltage between the batteries and the charge controller you would expect a reading like 13.7 volts. If the voltage is 16 volts going to the batteries you'll boil them, i.e. gas discharge, etc.... The charge controller will regulate the voltage for a proper charging environment. 13.7 volts is appropriate.... « Show Less
1902506
It depends on how many amps you need. The solar panel can only out put a maximum of ~1 amp and 26 volts
1998852
One 85 watt panel Should deliver around 7 amps at 12 volts in full sun. If you have all 4 panels connected through a single (7 amp) controller, it is way overloaded. Sounds like you might need 3 more controllers or simply a bigger controller unit.
1842769
Yes, as long as you do not exceed the voltage and current limits of the controller. For instance, if you are connecting two 5 watt panels in series, the voltage will be double that of a single panel but the current would be the same as a single panel. Conversely, if you're connecting the panels in parallel, you'll have double the current but the same voltage. In that case you'd want to ensure the controller is rated for the increased current.
567128
Without seeing the schematic for the hook up, it is hard to advise you. There should be a charge input, that would go to the solar panel. There should be a load, that should be the device you are running, and there should be a battery connection, which is of course the battery. Make sure you observe the correct polarities on all of them. They should me marked + and -. If you are not sure, use a volt-ohm-meter to check.
576630
Zubby,This controller can handle up to 125 open circuit volts input. You can series your panels together to get a theoretical voltage of 96 volts, this will have less voltage drop and give you approximately 10 1/2 amps on the input side of the controller. Your problem is with a 12 volt battery bank your amperages on the output of the controller could exceed 80 amps ( 1000 watts divided by 12 volts equals 83.3 amps ). You would need (2) of these controllers with your present configuration. If it is possible; you could make your 12 volt battery bank into a 24 volt battery bank and get a 24 volt inverter, then you would need only (1) controller. ( 1000 watts divided by 24 volts equals 41.6 amps ) Zubby,This controller can handle up to 125 open circuit volts input. You can series your panels together to get a theoretical voltage of 96 volts, this will have less voltage drop and give you approximately 10 1/2 amps on the input side of the controller. Your problem is with a 12 volt battery bank your amperages on the output of the controller could exceed 80 amps ( 1000 watts divided by 12 volts equals 83.3 amps ). You would need (2) of these controllers with your present configuration. If it is possible; you could make your 12 volt battery bank into a 24 volt battery bank and get a... » Read More Zubby,This controller can handle up to 125 open circuit volts input. You can series your panels together to get a theoretical voltage of 96 volts, this will have less voltage drop and give you approximately 10 1/2 amps on the input side of the controller. Your problem is with a 12 volt battery bank your amperages on the output of the controller could exceed 80 amps ( 1000 watts divided by 12 volts equals 83.3 amps ). You would need (2) of these controllers with your present configuration. If it is possible; you could make your 12 volt battery bank into a 24 volt battery bank and get a 24 volt inverter, then you would need only (1) controller. ( 1000 watts divided by 24 volts equals 41.6 amps ) « Show Less
70467
Yes it is fine. Most solar panels have or need a charge controller because they put out 24v. This panel has an integrated controller, and will automatically adjust to a 12v (or 24v) battery system.
2129614
It will depend on how you plan to connect it to the charge controller and what the total amount of watts of panel you are connecting. So no, but you would need to check.
273940
Can't help on the solar panel. I have used the 12v option off of my house batteries. The unit worked fine
1468499
Its only a 5 Watt panel so no. Running something from a solar panel, without a DC battery, isnt practical anyway if you need any sort of a constant voltage.
1919771
Yes. You'll be fine. Max amps are 20 for this controller. With optimal lighting your panels may never even actually reach 3x 5.57 amps. Also, since this controller will charge 24 volts, you can actually run twice the panels at double voltage and still keep amps under 20. Read the manual!
1771956
This controller will handle up to 30amps. So for example, I have 3 panels at ~145w each (~7.5 amps) that are connected to each other and run to this controller. Since I'm only bringing in max around 22 amps, then this one controller is plenty. I could actually add one more panel to it of the same size as my current and it should continue to work fine. To answer your question though, yes, if your panels are large enough to put you over 30a with two panels, then run them side by side and connect the two controllers to the same battery bank without issue.
1957392
Some solar panel controllers need to have 5 volts above operating voltage to 'start' operating so you may need a 17volt 2.5 amp PSU to get correct nominal 12 volt operation. I have used a 7 amp solar power controller on a mains electric Generator's 12 volt 'battery charging' output that was putting out 16 or 17 volts and was able to charge a sealed lead acid battery at 14.4 volts.
1955408
I have five 100 watt panels now, wired together with MC4 split connectors and running 25 feet to my charge controller. My panels have a working voltage of 18.5V. That gives me 5.5 amp per panel in direct sun. In total I get 27 - 28 amps on a clear day. I have no problem with voltage drop but I am now max'd out on my 30 amp charge controller and the 10 guage wire. If you have a larger system than that you will need heavier wire, unless your panels operate at a higher voltage, wich would lower your amps. As long as you are under 30 amp this wire works great. I hope this helps.Dan
1842768
My panel is 50W, and this controller could handle more. It would make sense to me to wire them in parallel to keep the voltage around 12-14V and double the wattage.