How to setup solar controller?

[DatacomGuy]

I picked up a solar panel and voyager solar controller for charging while in storage.

I currently use a Noco Genius for two batteries. Anyone know if there is a way to wire it to the Genius to charge both batteries? Or am I only going to be able to charge one?

What is the best way to hook these up?

 

[lazergeek]

There is no way to use your Nocro with a solar controller. Your DVSR will allow both batteries to charge with just the solar charge controller, unless you modified the circuit for your Norco. If you didnt modify it then it has never been acting as a dual battery charger. Otherwise you need to purchase dual battery solar controller.

 

[DatacomGuy]

There is no way to use your Nocro with a solar controller. Your DVSR will allow both batteries to charge with just the solar charge controller, unless you modified the circuit for your Norco. If you didnt modify it then it has never been acting as a dual battery charger. Otherwise you need to purchase dual battery solar controller.

Got it. The previous owner setup the NOCO so not sure how they did it yet.

It currently has a battery disconnect switch. How much power loss is there behind one of those switches? Do I need to concern myself with solar trickle charging if the battery is disconnected via switch?

 

[lazergeek]

What boat do you have? Batteries will lose charge just sitting even with the battery switch off so if they sit for longer then a month you definatly will need something to keep it maintained. Also if you have Stereo upgrades the engines may not be able to keep the batteries charged either.

 

[DatacomGuy]

What boat do you have? Batteries will lose charge just sitting even with the battery switch off so if they sit for longer then a month you definatly will need something to keep it maintained. Also if you have Stereo upgrades the engines may not be able to keep the batteries charged either.

2014 AR210. Definitely have a ton of audio upgrades. I'm not finding a dual battery charger controller. Is there a hive favorite?

 

[lazergeek]

I saved this one for later but the DVSR works well on my setup. Dual Controler Chargers are not a common thing as most people just add another panel for another charger.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081GRYXNC/?coliid=I36PU326AFKS4O&colid=2RHJ18NW5OT9O&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[DatacomGuy]

I saved this one for later but the DVSR works well on my setup. Dual Controler Chargers are not a common thing as most people just add another panel for another charger.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081GRYXNC/?coliid=I36PU326AFKS4O&colid=2RHJ18NW5OT9O&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Yeah, i saw that one too but the reviews are pretty bad. I guess I could do two panels, just not excited about it.

 

[212s]

Yeah, i saw that one too but the reviews are pretty bad. I guess I could do two panels, just not excited about it.

Solar is a nice option if you don't have power to your storage area. But make sure the panel is large enough to supply at least 1 amp per battery, those little 5-10w panels won't be enough. You'll need something in the range of 25w per panel to supply enough power. To calculate amperage, you take the wattage of the panel divided by the voltage output at 80%. So for instance a 25w panel is 25 / 17 volts = 1.5 amp x 80% = 1.2 amps usable. That's about a typical 25x12 inch monocrystalline panel.

All panels vary somewhat in their ratings, so one 25w panel can produce more power than another depending on design and materials. You need to know the wattage and voltage to get amperage. And you need to ensure enough sunlight per day, and if the panels are mono or polycrystalline, mono being the more expensive but more efficient type. Unless the price is really good, ignore amorphous type as they are the least efficient but the panels can be flexible which only matters in folding panels like the kind you'd use while hiking or camping.

Good multi-panel charge controllers are not cheap...probably better to just get two panels that come with a small controller for each. Or a larger panel at about 50w and parallel the connection to share between the two batteries.

 

[DatacomGuy]

Solar is a nice option if you don't have power to your storage area. But make sure the panel is large enough to supply at least 1 amp per battery, those little 5-10w panels won't be enough. You'll need something in the range of 25w per panel to supply enough power. To calculate amperage, you take the wattage of the panel divided by the voltage output at 80%. So for instance a 25w panel is 25 / 17 volts = 1.5 amp x 80% = 1.2 amps usable. That's about a typical 25x12 inch monocrystalline panel.

All panels vary somewhat in their ratings, so one 25w panel can produce more power than another depending on design and materials. You need to know the wattage and voltage to get amperage. And you need to ensure enough sunlight per day, and if the panels are mono or polycrystalline, mono being the more expensive but more efficient type. Unless the price is really good, ignore amorphous type as they are the least efficient but the panels can be flexible which only matters in folding panels like the kind you'd use while hiking or camping.

Good multi-panel charge controllers are not cheap...probably better to just get two panels that come with a small controller for each. Or a larger panel at about 50w and parallel the connection to share between the two batteries.

Good info, thank you. This is the panel i had already bought.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BMQRNXZ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

50w, mono.

This is the controller i've already bought:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YXZMKD2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

So if wiring in parallel gets it done, i should be able to handle that.

 

[lazergeek]

Good info, thank you. This is the panel i had already bought.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BMQRNXZ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

50w, mono.

This is the controller i've already bought:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YXZMKD2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

So if wiring in parallel gets it done, i should be able to handle that.

You only need the 10 amp charge controller if your only going to use 50W panels

 

[DatacomGuy]

You only need the 10 amp charge controller if your only going to use 50W panels

Will the one i have still work? It's IP66 rated, so i'd rather stick to this one if i can. Doesnt look like the 10a ones are water safe. Unless, you don't think it matters.

 

[lazergeek]

I didnt even notice that, Honestly I dont think it will matter as long as you mount in a dry area, like under the helm. Mine is not waterproof and have not had an issue yet with the controller after a year on only salt water boating. My 100W Flex panel died after 4 months however. Apparently it didnt like Florida Summer Sun, I even had ventalation under the panel to help prevent that. The Seller replaced no questions asked. I found a rigid panel that will fit my T-Top frame to swich to if it dies again.