Solar regulator question

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ronnie
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Solar regulator question

Post by ronnie »

I am hoping one of the slim manne can help me here. I am using a 20A Phocos solar regulator at home for some load shed lighting and I notice that with up to 18/19V from the panel my regulator is charging about 14.7V when measured across the battery terminals. That all seems fine to me...

Then I recently bought a 20A ACDC solar regulator for a caravan solar charging setup but I now notice that it seems to be charging at 15.1V to 15.2V when measured at the battery terminals. That seems a bit high for me.

Am I worried about nothing or is that charging voltage too high and will I damage my battery.

Thanks
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Re: Solar regulator question

Post by Mud Dog »

I wouldn't be too worried, Ronnie. Yes, it's a bit high but it depends on the battery state of charge. If the battery is low then I would ignore it, but if the battery is full and it's still delivering 15V, then I would be concerned about the future life of the battery.
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ronnie
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Re: Solar regulator question

Post by ronnie »

Thanks Andy....battery came with the caravan and looks rather old so that may be a contributing factor. Maybe I should take my newer deep cycle I use for load shedding and hook it up to see what the charging voltage is
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Re: Solar regulator question

Post by Stef »

Agree with Andy; if that is indeed the case then it is a pretty nice regulator.

The D250S does 14.1 V at the terminals @ 20V input.
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Re: Solar regulator question

Post by ronnie »

Ok thanks...I was worried I will "cook" my battery at such a high charging voltage.

I hope it is fine as it because it was very well priced too at 4x4 Direct
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Re: Solar regulator question

Post by ChrisF »

Ronnie do you have a photo of the unit ?

May well be the same as the unit I chucked out a few months back .... Also an ACDC unit.


The charge voltage was simply just too high, and would not drop back to the 13,8V idling voltage.....


Replaced it with a Victron unit. Charge volts gradually increase up to 14,5V, then drops to 13,8V idling voltage.
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Re: Solar regulator question

Post by george »

Hi Ronnie.
That sound to high for my liking.You are welcome to swap it out if you are not happy.
Maybe just test it with another charger. Charge your battery full with a 220v charger. Let the battery stand for a hour or 2. Then connect the ACDC again.If you still get the 15volts than rather come and swap it out for another unit or something else.
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Re: Solar regulator question

Post by Family_Dog »

15v is too high - take it back to George.


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ronnie
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Re: Solar regulator question

Post by ronnie »

Ok thanks guys for all the input. I think I will rather play it safe and go and get another Phocos from 4x4 Direct in its place. Don't want to risk damaging a battery for a regulator that costs a little bit less. George - I will come around on Saturday.

Just hope I don't leave with a whole lot of other stuff as usual :)
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Re: Solar regulator question

Post by Bulletjie-3 »

THAT is aftersale service !!!!
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Re: Solar regulator question

Post by ronnie »

Bulletjie-3 wrote:THAT is aftersale service !!!!
You are spot on. I did not even approach 4x4 Direct about this as I wanted to just get some views on whether the charging voltage was too high. George just volunteered that I can bring it back for a swap out.

That is why I keep supporting them; you don't see this very often any more
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