BMCM
Santa Clarita, CA
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I have a 100w solar panel w/charge controller installed on my camper.
A friend has a 50w panel with it's own controller and battery clips. If attached to my batteries, will it work in conjunction with the installed panel?
rw
F-350, Scorpion, QC, Dually/Alpenleak
All Gave Some,
Some Gave All.
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robatthelake
Vancouver Island
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Joined: 08/24/2003
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Yes!
Rob & Jean
98 Dutch Star Diesel Pusher ..92 Tracker 4X2
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ewarnerusa
Helena, Montana
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Won't the two charge controllers end up competing with each other? Like the charge from one controller would make the other one think the battery is topped off?
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2oldman
Winchester WA
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not likely. see above. You should wire his panel and yours together in parallel, using your controller.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi,
The voltages of the two panels need to be nearly identical before they can be used together. Check and see. If they are quite similar then follow 2oldmans excellent advice.
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts Unisolar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries, 2500 MSW watt inverter.
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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It will work just fine. No different than using two battery chargers at the same time and that is done all the time.
2005 Coachman Sportscoach Elite 402 40'
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7500w Onan quiet diesel generator
6-Kyocera 130w solar panels SB3024i MPPT controller
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1987 Suzuki Samurai tintop Toad w/VW 1.6 turbo diesel power
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BMCM
Santa Clarita, CA
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Yea, I was wondering about one controller "thinking" that there was a charged battery because of the influence of the other controller.
Hooking the "portable" panel up to my controller isn't feasible.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi,
Then check the voltage on both panels if it is similar hook up the external panel directly to the battery bank.
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BMCM
Santa Clarita, CA
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The portable is a Siemens, Mod SR-50. Label says Open Ckt 21.6v - Rated 17v. It's hooked to a Solar Pro by ICP, 21amp chg controller. (I know, too much information)
The panel on the camper was installed by the dealer I bought the camper from. He said it was a 100 watter. No idea-no paperwork. I'll climb up tomorrow and see if I an get a glimpse of a label on the back side.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi BMCM,
On the contrary just enough information.
If you have a voltmeter test the Siemens panel in sunlight--then test the installed panel. If they are within a narrow range of the same voltage they may play quite nicely together.
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