Re: Solar panel charging leisure batteries only?

by Roopert Wed Jun 10, 2020 11:38 pm

Sapman wrote:So it transpired solar panel was not connected via EC328, can't think why though.

I can't recall if you've said somewhere that the solar panel was factory fitted or added after. If the latter, I don't think it's that unusual, firstly because companies that retro-fit panels may be completely unaware that there's a solar controller hidden inside the EC328, and second because they are not likely to have quick access to a cable with the right type of connector to plug into the EC328.

I wonder who the "Advanced Solar Control" box is made by? Superficially it looks quite nicely made, with all that nice alloy shielding around it.

by PLOUGHLIN Wed Jun 10, 2020 11:46 pm

Roopert wrote:
Sapman wrote:So it transpired solar panel was not connected via EC328, can't think why though.

I can't recall if you've said somewhere that the solar panel was factory fitted or added after. If the latter, I don't think it's that unusual, firstly because companies that retro-fit panels may be completely unaware that there's a solar controller hidden inside the EC328, and second because they are not likely to have quick access to a cable with the right type of connector to plug into the EC328.

I wonder who the "Advanced Solar Control" box is made by? Superficially it looks quite nicely made, with all that nice alloy shielding around it.

Looks like this one? [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

by Roopert Wed Jun 10, 2020 11:52 pm

Looks like a decent spec, and I was wrong - stainless steel caging, not alloy! Ok, it's probably a PWM-based design but that wouldn't worry me. Seems like it's designed for marine use as well, with a fully epoxy potted enclosure.

by Peter Brown Thu Jun 11, 2020 10:38 am

Yes, it does read well. The installation/Operation guide was printed in 2009 so they've been around a while - Canadian company marketed them.

by modelman Thu Jun 11, 2020 11:50 am

I didn't see anywhere what the input voltage it can handle, I had to be aware of that when I fitted mine as my panel can produce 40 + volts, & some cannot handle that.
Just something to think about when choosing.