Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
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quixoticgeek
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Low end solar Charge controllers.Does anyone have any recommendations for charge controllers that are suitable for use with solar panels in the 20-80W range, charging a single Lead Acid battery? I am really looking for something simple and inexpensive if possible.
Thanks
Julia
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RichardW
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At the sub 6 amps you will have at peak rate going into the bat you could get away with no controller if the battery bank was big enough & you were using a load on it daily.
One tip, never let the battery go below 12.2v (off load). Thats about 50% ish. The battery will then last longer (but car type bats wont last very long any way).
How much load will the bat be supplying per day?
I will assume a 15w bulb for 6 hours so a total daily load of 90wh. You will need to replace that with about 120wh due to charging losses.
Your 80w panel will give about 80wh in winter & up to 480wh in summer.
So in winter you will be using much more than you use. In summer you will have an excess.
Going on the above you will need a controller or increase your load.
Sub 10amp controllers are cheap on ebay.
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