Unless your DC to DC charger has an inbuilt solar regulator, then yes you do require a solar regulator. Some people make the mistake of using a regulated panel, with a battery charger that has an in-built solar regulator to charge their battery.
Do you need a solar regulator with a Redarc BCDC?
Both the REDARC BCDC Dual In-Vehicle DC-DC charger and the Manager30 Battery Management system have inbuilt MPPT solar regulators, meaning that a separate regulator is not needed. There’s a perfect solar setup for all campers.
Do you need solar regulator with DCDC charger?
A DCDC charger is integral to your dual battery setup. A quality one will often include a solar regulator too. This allows you to connect a solar panel directly to the charger to continue charging and maintain your battery even whilst the engine is off.
Do I need a solar regulator for a BCDC1225D?
A solar controller is not required to install the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1225D, the solar panel does get connected to the charger directly via the yellow wire.
What is the difference between DCDC and BCDC Chargers?
A BCDC charger is a DCDC charger, the “BCDC ” is the start of the REDARC part number and means Battery Charger Direct Current , for example BCDC1225D. I trust this will point you in the right direction. If you have further queries, I recommend you call REDARC Technical Support on 08 83224848.
Is a regulator the same as a charge controller?
A solar charge controller (frequently called a regulator) is similar to a regular battery charger, i.e. it regulates the current flowing from the solar panel into the battery bank to avoid overcharging the batteries.
Should a solar controller be close to the battery?
It is highly recommended that the charge controller be within one meter (approximately 3.25ft) of the battery bank and in the same room or enclosure.
Do you need a VSR with a DCDC charger?
If you have a newer vehicle, run AGM or LiFePO4 batteries or any setup that is outside of the engine bay, then a DCDC charger is required instead of a VSR. It is really important to understand that a VSR is “NOT” a battery charger.
Can I connect an AC charger and solar charger to the same battery in the same time?
Yes, multiple charge controllers can be used on the same battery bank. Multiple charge controllers are used in situations where a single charge controller is not able to handle the entire output of a large solar array.
Why do I need a DCDC charger?
DC to DC chargers increase the chance of your 12V batteries always being at close to a full charge. A DC to DC battery charger can minimize damage to your 12V battery system and prevent over-discharging when used correctly.
How many watts can a 15 amp charge controller handle?
It’s rated for 260 Watts at 12V or 520 at 24 V. A basic electrical formula to apply to this is that volts times amps = watts, so 12 V * 20 A = 240 Watts.
What is an MPPT solar controller?
An MPPT, or maximum power point tracker is an electronic DC to DC converter that optimizes the match between the solar array (PV panels), and the battery bank or utility grid.
Do I need a BCDC?
While a BCDC* is not essential (as the voltage produced by a fixed voltage alternator is high enough to give a full charge to an aux battery) there are still benefits in using a using one of the REDARC BCDC* chargers.
Will dual batteries hurt my alternator?
You can run two batteries on the same alternator. Alternators protect against excessive current drain and aren’t affected by multiple batteries. When you connect the batteries, the voltage equalizes. This means that the lower voltage battery sucks power from the other.
Do I need a solar regulator?
Unless your DC to DC charger has an inbuilt solar regulator, then yes you do require a solar regulator. Some people make the mistake of using a regulated panel, with a battery charger that has an in-built solar regulator to charge their battery.
Does a 10w solar panel need a charge controller?
If the number is less than 200 than you need a controller. For example if you have a 100 amp hour battery and a 10 watt panel, you take 100 and divide it by . 6 (600mA) and you get 166.6. Since this is less than 200 you need a charge controller.
What size regulator do I need for a 300 watt solar panel?
Solar charge controllers regulate the current from the panels to a safe level so it can charge the batteries. A 30A controller is adequate for a 300 watt solar panel set up.
How far can my solar panels be from my charge controller?
Generally, 20-30 feet is the ideal distance between a solar panel, such as an array, and the solar battery backup supply.
What do I mount my solar charge controller on?
Victron Solar Charge Controllers have an internal temperature sensor so it is important to mount close to the battery. With it being mounted close to the battery and same temperature this will suffice. Common sense will come in handy here, do not mount the charge controller on outside wall or next to water heater.
Does a VSR work with a smart alternator?
VSRs can also engage and disengage frequently with the large and rapid voltage changes from a smart alternator and so the high current contacts may fail prematurely.
Does a VSR work both ways?
A VSR (voltage sensitive relay) is perfect for dual battery systems. They come in a single sense or a dual sense configuration for bi-directional charging.
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