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dixoncj
Samba Member
Joined: June 17, 2004
Posts: 1083
Location: Charleston, SC
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 Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 6:32 am Post subject: Will this solar charge controller work with my Westy? |
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Was thinking of installing this to regulate my 70watt solar panel now that I have a Truckfridge.- http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-60031-Digital-Charg...uctDetails.
Question though, what happens if alternator voltage starts flowing into it?
In other words, I obviously want my aux battery to take a charge both from the alternator when the van is on - and the solar panel when the van is turned off. Will the alternator blow this thing up?
Thanks for any help. |
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whynotvw
Samba Member
Joined: May 04, 2004
Posts: 1322
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| Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 8:41 am Post subject: |
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| Yes |
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dixoncj
Samba Member
Joined: June 17, 2004
Posts: 1083
Location: Charleston, SC
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| Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 8:47 am Post subject: |
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Thanks for the succinct answer.
Next question. What unit will an alternator NOT blow up that's not a $180 Blue Sky model?
Thx! |
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PDXWesty
Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2006
Posts: 6247
Location: Portland OR
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| Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 8:53 am Post subject: |
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I have a sunforce model installed in my van. No problems with it after 4 years.
_________________
89 Westy 2.1 Auto |
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whynotvw
Samba Member
Joined: May 04, 2004
Posts: 1322
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| Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 8:53 am Post subject: |
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| dixoncj wrote: |
Thanks for the succinct answer.
Next question. What unit will an alternator NOT blow up that's not a $180 Blue Sky model?
Thx! |
Solar charger automatically regulates , you don't need to turn it on and off. Once installed you don't have to do anything. |
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seventyfo
Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2007
Posts: 916
Location: Ocoee FL
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| Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 9:16 am Post subject: |
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I just bought the same one, hope to have it in this weekend.
_________________
85 Vanagon GL Westy GW 2.2 (Rebuilt by YT)
"I don't know you well enough to care about your comments". Watkins Cravey |
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dixoncj
Samba Member
Joined: June 17, 2004
Posts: 1083
Location: Charleston, SC
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| Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 9:18 am Post subject: |
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| Just ordered it. Thanks guys. Will post up a review. Such a relief to have the TF installed. |
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Rhinoculips
Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2005
Posts: 918
Location: Keystone, Colorado
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| Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 9:36 am Post subject: |
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Maybe I'm missing something...
If the Aux. battery has an isolator and assuming the OP was not going to hook the alternator to the solar charge controller(which obviously would fry it), why would it blow?
_________________
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” - Edward Abbey
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alain riaud
Samba Member
Joined: October 13, 2011
Posts: 172
Location: France
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| Posted: Thu May 16, 2013 10:04 am Post subject: Re: Will this solar charge controller work with my Westy? |
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| dixoncj wrote: |
Was thinking of installing this to regulate my 70watt solar panel now that I have a Truckfridge.- http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-60031-Digital-Charg...uctDetails.
Question though, what happens if alternator voltage starts flowing into it?
In other words, I obviously want my aux battery to take a charge both from the alternator when the van is on - and the solar panel when the van is turned off. Will the alternator blow this thing up?
Thanks for any help. |
IMHO 70Wp may be short for long stays.
I have the same issue, with a 135Wp panel.
I use european units similar to yours (STECA controller and KEMO battery protection)
I tested and alternator and solar panel cannot live together. The panel controller has a funny behavior.
To be 100% safe I plan to switch sources with a NO/NC 12V relay on my fuel valve (diesel)
The next issue is battery load protection while driving, while the solar controller is disconnected. I use a separate battery protection. |
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seventyfo
Samba Member
Joined: February 13, 2007
Posts: 916
Location: Ocoee FL
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| Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 10:20 am Post subject: |
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I installed yesterday, today in bright sunlight I'm getting 16+ volts to the battery, I thought the controller is supposed to cut out at 14.2?
_________________
85 Vanagon GL Westy GW 2.2 (Rebuilt by YT)
"I don't know you well enough to care about your comments". Watkins Cravey |
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