N
Nomen Nescio
Newbie question:
I have just setup a 15W solar panel to top the vehicle battery.
The DMM measured voltage from the alternator is 14.4 volts.
I want to top up the wet lead acid battery to 14.8 volts via the
solar panel through a regulator set to bulk charge at 14.8 volts.
I presume it is ok to have the solar panel charging while
driving? ie the vehicle alternator charges the battery to 14.4V,
and the PV charges from 14.4V to 14.8V? I guess there is a
blocking diode in the alternator preventing higher reverse
voltages from damaging it? Or does the regulator between the
alternator and the battery do that?
I intend to leave the panel on the dash set up permanently. Will
I need to switch off the setup during vehicle startup? ie will
the voltage drop during engine cranking stop the PV regulator
from working correctly?
Answers, and any further comments welcome.
I have just setup a 15W solar panel to top the vehicle battery.
The DMM measured voltage from the alternator is 14.4 volts.
I want to top up the wet lead acid battery to 14.8 volts via the
solar panel through a regulator set to bulk charge at 14.8 volts.
I presume it is ok to have the solar panel charging while
driving? ie the vehicle alternator charges the battery to 14.4V,
and the PV charges from 14.4V to 14.8V? I guess there is a
blocking diode in the alternator preventing higher reverse
voltages from damaging it? Or does the regulator between the
alternator and the battery do that?
I intend to leave the panel on the dash set up permanently. Will
I need to switch off the setup during vehicle startup? ie will
the voltage drop during engine cranking stop the PV regulator
from working correctly?
Answers, and any further comments welcome.
