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Solar Panels - Information and Questions
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<blockquote data-quote="Ded Driver" data-source="post: 431577" data-attributes="member: 12692"><p>ChrisM & Wally69, note in the pic of the multimeter bottom left corner its written 10A max. These multimeters are not great for current testing anything other than low level electronics. Hence the need for a Clamp Meter, or a solid state device that calculates from voltage drop ... these are cheap on eBay .. just search '12V solid state Current' or Amp meter should find them. You need a load on the circuit to get a proper current draw reading.</p><p> I would suggest a new controller, either mppt or pwm (most prefer mppt for most efficient solar charging, but pwm suits lead acid batteries best). </p><p> If you aren't aware, mppt = maximum peak power tracking. This is basically a DC-DC converter to maintain best volt/amps balance from your solar panels.</p><p> pwm = pulse width modulation. This regulates the power pulses to the battery. Lead Acid batteries have longer life & better charge capacity</p><p> when pulse charged (1 of the reasons car batteries don't always last a long time)</p><p> Also, there are charge controllers that utilise both MPPT & PWM for best of both worlds</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Ded Driver, post: 431577, member: 12692"] ChrisM & Wally69, note in the pic of the multimeter bottom left corner its written 10A max. These multimeters are not great for current testing anything other than low level electronics. Hence the need for a Clamp Meter, or a solid state device that calculates from voltage drop ... these are cheap on eBay .. just search '12V solid state Current' or Amp meter should find them. You need a load on the circuit to get a proper current draw reading. I would suggest a new controller, either mppt or pwm (most prefer mppt for most efficient solar charging, but pwm suits lead acid batteries best). If you aren't aware, mppt = maximum peak power tracking. This is basically a DC-DC converter to maintain best volt/amps balance from your solar panels. pwm = pulse width modulation. This regulates the power pulses to the battery. Lead Acid batteries have longer life & better charge capacity when pulse charged (1 of the reasons car batteries don't always last a long time) Also, there are charge controllers that utilise both MPPT & PWM for best of both worlds [/QUOTE]
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Outdoor & Recreation
Campers, Vans & 4WD's
Solar Panels - Information and Questions
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