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DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES and BUSH POWER
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<blockquote data-quote="condor22" data-source="post: 135682" data-attributes="member: 1932"><p>The basic calculation for regulator size is thus. (You don't specify panel voltage)</p><p></p><p>Panel watts divided by panel voltage = amps. So for a nominal 12 volt panel it would be around 18 to 19 volts, so to play safe assume 18</p><p></p><p>i.e. 160/18 =8.9A so a 10A regulator will work. However assuming a 24 volt panel is double the value would be <5 amps.</p><p></p><p>If the calculation is within about 10% of the regulator capacity, I would tend to go to the next regulator size up.</p><p></p><p>Why? Like all voltage modifying devices, solar regulators get hot. The closer to capacity, the warmer they get and in our climates hot weather, I prefer to err on the safer side and increase the size. Plus if at some future time you want to add a panel, you don't need to change regulators.</p><p></p><p>The other aspect is that once it becomes a charger at the output, you need to consider the battery size.</p><p></p><p>i.e. you would not want to charge one 100AH battery off a 50A regulator, it's too harsh a charge.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="condor22, post: 135682, member: 1932"] The basic calculation for regulator size is thus. (You don't specify panel voltage) Panel watts divided by panel voltage = amps. So for a nominal 12 volt panel it would be around 18 to 19 volts, so to play safe assume 18 i.e. 160/18 =8.9A so a 10A regulator will work. However assuming a 24 volt panel is double the value would be <5 amps. If the calculation is within about 10% of the regulator capacity, I would tend to go to the next regulator size up. Why? Like all voltage modifying devices, solar regulators get hot. The closer to capacity, the warmer they get and in our climates hot weather, I prefer to err on the safer side and increase the size. Plus if at some future time you want to add a panel, you don't need to change regulators. The other aspect is that once it becomes a charger at the output, you need to consider the battery size. i.e. you would not want to charge one 100AH battery off a 50A regulator, it's too harsh a charge. [/QUOTE]
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Outdoor & Recreation
Camping
DEEP CYCLE BATTERIES and BUSH POWER
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