Roof mounted Solar

[Strider Member Find all posts View Profile Close Strider]

Hi all, I would like to mount some solar panels on the roof of the 150. My question is will it interfere with the charging system if the second battery is getting power from the solar panels when the car is running?

I have a REDARC SBi12 isolator and I am hoping that this will not let any current flow back to the main battery and in doing so prevent the possibility of confusing the ECU.

Your thoughts please.

Regards
Alan.

[K & M McF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close K & M McF]

Have an on/off switch so that the solar panels only work when you let them. You will also need a solar panel regulator.

[drivesafe Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close drivesafe]

Hi Alan and once your motor is running and the alternator voltage is up over 13.2v, the cut-in voltage level of the isolator, you will have current flow in either direction through your isolator as it will not know where the voltage is coming from.

This is not going to cause a problem for your ECU because the amount of amps coming from your solar panels will at best only be about 10 amps, after your auxiliary battery is FULLY CHARGED, and your vehicle will consume at least 20 amps just to maintain it’s own electrical requirements.

So your solar will have no effect what so ever on your ECU.

NOTE, it is commonplace with many motor homes and caravans to have solar on them and charge while they are on the road and these can be very large arrays, and they have no problems with vehicle electrics.

Just make sure you have a solar regulator fitted and then when you are not using your vehicle, and the auxiliary battery is fully charged, your solar will also keep your cranking battery fully charged.

[Strider Member Find all posts View Profile Close Strider]

Thanx for the replies guys. Your reply drivesafe is exactly what ARB told me last night when I picked up my roof bars. The panels have a regulator fitted so should be all good there.

Cheers
Alan