Solar wiring diagram

spiritid · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 10:31 pm Post subject: Solar wiring diagram

This is the wiring plan I have come up with for my solar charging system. I would really appreciate a review or comments. The batteries are AGM 104 and 108 amp hours. I decided on the final location for the charge controller to minimize the length of wire needed.

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'81 Air Cooled Vanagon (AdventureWagen)
'69 Standard Beetle

Syncronoid · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 10:57 pm Post subject:

Prime spot to get kicked by shoes or knocked by cargo. I'd rethink that location.

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'90 Syncro Westy w/GW2.5L

spiritid · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 11:50 pm Post subject:

Good point, thanks! Now I'm wondering if the charge controller could be attached on the back side of the removable kick panel. That would keep it safe and dry. Might help if I mention that the wires from the solar panel will enter through the hole in the floor between the batteries.
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'81 Air Cooled Vanagon (AdventureWagen)
'69 Standard Beetle

Syncronoid · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 9:00 am Post subject:

That's an option, provided it doesn't get too hot.

spiritid · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 9:07 am Post subject:

Actually, I think it may stay cooler there since it will be separated from the heat that builds up inside the vehicle when parked.
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'81 Air Cooled Vanagon (AdventureWagen)
'69 Standard Beetle

PDXWesty · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 9:16 am Post subject:

Are batteries 1 & 2 both house batteries? Do you still have a starter battery?

In my set up, I installed selector switches so I could charge one battery or the other or both from the solar panel. It looks like your charge controller may be able to perform that function?

Also, Your fuses should be sized appropriately for the wire size. Fuses are to protect the wire from overloading so they shouldn't be larger than the capacity of the wire.

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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

spiritid · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 10:27 am Post subject:

Yes, the controller charges two batteries but they should be the same type, size, date. My starter battery will not match.

I don't understand fuses yet. The 30 amp fuses were specified by the controller manufacturer. The 15 amp was specified by the frig manuel. An electrician recommended the 20 amp fuse. I could use some help.
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'81 Air Cooled Vanagon (AdventureWagen)
'69 Standard Beetle

spiritid · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 10:40 am Post subject:

I think this might be the perfect spot for the controller!

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'81 Air Cooled Vanagon (AdventureWagen)
'69 Standard Beetle

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 11:00 am Post subject:

There are a couple issues with your proposed wiring diagram. Also, are you going to connect the alternator to the batteries?

Mark

PDXWesty · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 11:20 am Post subject:

fabricator john · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 11:27 am Post subject:

I boat my summers away , get enough of the car thing m-f, I run a 85w solar panel and 2 6v golf cart batts love it love it , for the " house side" and a reg big batt for the run/start, however I've done 2 things I added a ACR ( automatic charge relay) when the run start is full it wil flip to the house and charge them when the motor is running, however it works both ways when the solar has filled the house batts it will kick and charge the run/start . All the batts are at 13v every time I get on the boat , the other was I have a typical marine selector switch but I mounted a ford type relay with 2 very short leads hooking the 2 sides together so I can jump start myself from the dash with the push of a button !!! Wich I have done from runnin radio bsubs and tv all night ,, Fabricator john

spiritid · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 11:45 am Post subject:

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 11:53 am Post subject:

Then that only leaves a few wiring issues to resolve with your diagram.

By the way, the alternator isn't for starting, it is for creating electricity while the engine is running. The alternator is capable of over 1000 watts.

Mark

spiritid · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 11:59 am Post subject:

spiritid · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 12:07 pm Post subject:

I could see that connecting to the alternator would be very beneficial. I think I just wanted to keep the project simple to start with. The house system originally was powered by the alternator and the previous owner removed it in trying to narrow down some electrical issues.

I would really appreciate knowing the issues with my diagram, was hoping for that. Smile

spiritid · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2015 12:18 pm Post subject:

spiritid · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 6:27 pm Post subject:

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 6:56 pm Post subject:

If anything, your fuses could be smaller. Your 120 watt solar combines to about 7 amps. That is all that will be flowing from the panels to the controller. Then the controller splits that up between the 2 charging wire sets to the 2 batteries. So the most that will ever flow through those two 30 amp fuses is also 7 amps.

You have chosen a 2 bank charger but have hard wired the batteries together. There is no need or advantage to a 2 bank charger hooked up that way. If you provided a way to separate the batteries if needed then you could in theory let the dual charger charge each to its own needs. But the capacity of the batteries dwarfs the ability of those panels to charge them so you are likely headed for chronic undercharging anyway.

Mark

spiritid · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 7:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your response, Mark. The charge controller diagram has the batteries wired separately. Helpful people told me the batteries should be wired together. So it sounds like I really do need a connection to the alternator to charge my batteries. That is going to mean a lot more research. Can you direct me to a good site or discussion for diagrams and information?

Susan
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'81 Air Cooled Vanagon (AdventureWagen)
'69 Standard Beetle

dobryan · Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2015 7:27 pm Post subject:

Susan,

Do a search on 'solar' choosing title only and a lot of folks systems including wiring diagrams will pop up. Lots of info on here. Try the FAQ's too. Very Happy

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