The Auto-Sleeper Motorhome Owners Forum (ASOF)
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

solar panel

+3
IanH
Bilbobaggins
Flash
7 posters

Go down

solar panel Empty solar panel

Post by Flash Fri Jun 23, 2023 10:14 am

I have a 2019 Nuevo which was supplied with an 80w solar panel. I have been wondering about having a second one fitted to double my charging capacity, I already use a 120w suitcase one but would like a panel on the van if feasible. I think theres room for it but don’t know if the Sargent system can cope & are their benefits of using a different controller. 
Wondering if anyone has gone down this route & what were your experiences.
Flash
Flash
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 68
Joined : 2019-01-26
Location : West Wales
Auto-Sleeper : Nuevo ES
Vehicle Year : 2019

Back to top Go down

solar panel Empty Re: solar panel

Post by Bilbobaggins Fri Jun 23, 2023 10:49 am

Try using the search function above, there is lots of information on the site.

_________________
Nil carborundum illigitimi.
Bilbobaggins
Bilbobaggins
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 1624
Joined : 2020-07-09
Location : Angus
Auto-Sleeper : Warwick xl
Vehicle Year : 2014

Back to top Go down

solar panel Empty Re: solar panel

Post by IanH Fri Jun 23, 2023 12:29 pm

It is infinitely better to fit a dual battery solar controller, connect both batteries direct to its outputs via inline 10A fuses.
If you get a 20A controller you can add as much as you have roofspace.
Bypass/ avoid anything Sargent wherever possible imho!!
IanH
IanH
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 7601
Joined : 2020-05-04
Location : NORTH WALSHAM
Auto-Sleeper : Executive
Vehicle Year : 2002

Back to top Go down

solar panel Empty Re: solar panel

Post by Flash Fri Jun 23, 2023 1:48 pm

Thanks IanH, but I’ve only got one battery, not enough room to fit 2.
Flash
Flash
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 68
Joined : 2019-01-26
Location : West Wales
Auto-Sleeper : Nuevo ES
Vehicle Year : 2019

Back to top Go down

solar panel Empty Re: solar panel

Post by Dbvwt Fri Jun 23, 2023 2:08 pm

Flash wrote:Thanks IanH, but I’ve only got one battery, not enough room to fit 2.

Ian means connect the dual controller to the leisure and vehicle batteries and never worry about a flat battery again up!
Dbvwt
Dbvwt
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 3068
Joined : 2018-10-04
Location : Aylesbury
Auto-Sleeper : Symbol
Vehicle Year : 2018

Back to top Go down

solar panel Empty Re: solar panel

Post by Caraman Fri Jun 23, 2023 5:50 pm

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
If you lift out your EC700/EM40 unit this is the Sargent PWM solar controller/regulator you will see.  It is limited to 150W so if you want to increase your solar panels from 80W to 160W you will need a new controller.  Best to buy a decent MPPT one that charges the LB with a capped trickle charge going to the VB and bypass the EC700 altogether.  It's very easy to do.
Caraman
Caraman
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 3225
Joined : 2019-04-19
Location : SALISBURY
Auto-Sleeper : Nuevo
Vehicle Year : 2019

Flash likes this post

Back to top Go down

solar panel Empty Re: solar panel

Post by FreelanderUK Fri Jun 23, 2023 6:17 pm

The Sargent regulator is only good for 10 amps ,if you add another 80watt panel on to the roof and join them you will need a 15 amp solar regulator as a minimum to be safe but best would be a 20amp regulator

_________________
Chris
FreelanderUK
FreelanderUK
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 2904
Joined : 2020-07-18
Location : Lincolnshire
Auto-Sleeper : Warwick XL
Vehicle Year : 2016

Flash likes this post

Back to top Go down

solar panel Empty Re: solar panel

Post by Paulmold Fri Jun 23, 2023 6:18 pm

I was always led to believe the Sargent unit will only take 120w.

_________________
Nice to be important but more important to be nice
Paulmold
Paulmold
Donator
Donator

Male

Posts : 25762
Joined : 2011-02-21
Member Age : 72
Location : North East Wales
Auto-Sleeper : Sussex Duo
Vehicle Year : 2010

Back to top Go down

solar panel Empty Re: solar panel

Post by Caraman Fri Jun 23, 2023 6:22 pm

Paulmold wrote:I was always led to believe the Sargent unit will only take 120w.
You are probably right Paul but that might be due to the size of wiring or Sargent's smart solar charging wizardry.  As you can see from the photo the controller in theory is rated at 150W.  Whatever, a new and better controller should be fitted that bypasses the EC700.
Caraman
Caraman
Member
Member

Male

Posts : 3225
Joined : 2019-04-19
Location : SALISBURY
Auto-Sleeper : Nuevo
Vehicle Year : 2019

Back to top Go down

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum