Solar Panel/Controller help for Wireless Camera

[gingib]

I have 4 Coverts I am running with battery setups. Most have 12v 10watt solar panels that I run with controllers. If I have a 5watt panel do I need a controller?

I have used a 2.4 watt panel with no controller

[tbgascorer]

I've been using a 40:1 ratio in my solar sizing for 20+ years with no trouble.

Example: 5 watt solar module and using a 7ah battery

Module amperage x 40 = AH or plus battery needed and do not need a charge controller

.25 amps x 40 = 10ah. If you're using a 7ah battery, yes you need a charge controller

And if you don't use a controller, make sure you have an inline diode to prevent backfeed at night.

[gingib]

Is the amperage listed on the back of most Panels?

[gingib]

All I see is operating current .29a, short circuit current .34a, open circuit voltage 21.6v, max power 5w, and operating voltage 17v

[gingib]

If I take the .29a x40 that's like 11. Which means my 7 or 8 AH will need a controller

[tbgascorer]

That's correct, you need a charge controller to keep from damaging your battery.

[gingib]

Thank you. I had a controller and panel go bad on my last setup and tney warrantied the panel and controller.

I got my panel and wanted to rig it up but will wait until the controller comes In

[SabreKiller]

Good information here....

I buy the over the counter 12 volt solar panels. Do I need to check them as well to keep from ruining a battery? I've never heard of this. And where can I find the controller you're talking about?

Can you show me a diode set up? Thanks!

[91cavgt]

I've been using a 40:1 ratio in my solar sizing for 20+ years with no trouble.

Example: 5 watt solar module and using a 7ah battery

Module amperage x 40 = AH or plus battery needed and do not need a charge controller

.25 amps x 40 = 10ah. If you're using a 7ah battery, yes you need a charge controller

And if you don't use a controller, make sure you have an inline diode to prevent backfeed at night.

I second this as well.


With a small battery, it is pretty easy to overcharge the battery when it is really sunny out and not a lot of movement going on. If the battery gets overcharged too much then it will die prematurely.

[tbgascorer]

Most OTC deer feeder solar panels are around 1-2 watts. That in conjunction with the standard 7ah battery, you do not need a controller. A lot of them have the diode already wired in as well. It never hurts to put in another. Crimp or solder in the diode in the postive lead wire of the solar. Make sure the gray strip on the diode faces towards the battery. It's then like a one way street. Power to the battery, but cannot backfeed.

[gonehuntin68]

I buy the over the counter 12 volt solar panels. Do I need to check them as well to keep from ruining a battery? I've never heard of this. And where can I find the controller you're talking about?

Can you show me a diode set up? Thanks!

By over the counter, do you mean 12 volt solar panels that were made for feeders, if so then you don't need a controller because they are only around 1.5 watt solar panels. If that isn't what your talking about then we need to know how many watts it is or the max amps it puts out and that all should be listed on the back of the solar panel.

I personally wouldn't worry about the diode since the diode as a general rule on smaller 12 volt systems like your talking about, you will lose more power from diode losses than you will from leakage back into the panel at night.

[SabreKiller]

Yeah, I meant solar panels like from Gibson's that are for feeders. Thanks for the information!