Solar Panel Retrofit

Mocko1962

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Thinking of installing 120w flexipanel and am ok with the mechanical install but unsure of the PV connections at the controller ... will the PV controller just need connecting PV input and wired direct to 12v leisure battery terminals and hence function direct to just re-charge the leisure battery ... or as I've seen on diagram on one of the controller terminals .. the existing 12v van load needs to be diverted through the new controller as used as an auto shutoff to protect the battery from being discharged below safe limit.

Will the PV work if connected only direct to leisure battery without existing 12v load circuit diverted through PV controller.
 
You can do it either way
 
Thanks... probably go for the connection to leisure battery only for now to see how it goes this will keep it simple not having to delve into the 12v regulator and 12v 'bus' wiring
 
As an example, mines a Victron Smartsolar controller which does have a 12v output for the 'domestics' but I dont use that connection at all. The Victron sits between the panel and the leisure battery and any domestics come directly from the battery as before. The only advantage I can see of the dedicated output is for monitoring purposes, LVC and remote switching via bluetooth, which I already had. Keep it simple!
Cheers
Phil
 
Last edited by a moderator:
. The only advantage I can see of the dedicated output is for monitoring purposes and remote switching via bluetooth,

The other purpose is battery protection from over discharge. You can set a low voltage cut off.
 
I’d consider a higher output panel if you’re going to stick one to your roof, it’s a big job to replace and getting a larger one to start with won’t be that much more. Bigger is always better but I’d go for 150W min to avoid disappointment
 
Agreed, its a big roof... ;) There are plenty of 250s about but check the o/c voltage against your controller spec.
Fitting, removing and refitting a glued-on flexi is a real faff, as when my lad decided on a poptop 3 weeks after I'd fitted his panel.
Kids eh?
 
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