Solar Panels

[AussieChris]

Hi All

The oldman asked if i could post here, not sure if this is easy to explain but will give it a go.

He has just bought a solar panel kit which he wants to use to run his Waeco fridge, the solar panel has an 'Anderson' plug that came with it.

He wants to know if he plugged the solar panel into the anderson plug on his landcruiser would that charge his dual batteries thus allowing him to plug his waeco fridge into the car cigarette lighter and run it without fear of his batteries going flat??

His dual battery system is called a 'Projecta' i believe.

Any help would be appreciated.

Chris

[STIKA]

What size solar panel?

What size fridge?

[AussieChris]

What size solar panel?

What size fridge?

Fridge is a 40L

Solar panel specs:

Peak power 50 W
Short circuit current 3.5 A
Open circuit voltage 20.80 V
Voltage at max power 16.66V
Current max power 3 A
Dimensions: 750x530

Dual battery system specs:

* PART NO. DBC150TK
* VOLTAGE 12V
* CHARGING CURRENT 125A/150A peak
* CHARGE TYPE Parallel
* CONTROL Electronic
* MOUNTING Surface/firewall/battery side
* CURRENT DRAW Charging 500mA (Standby 30mA)
* VOLTAGE DROP None

[STIKA]

The solar pannel is only good for 3.5A in perfect conditions... how much current does the the fridge draw.

Solar panels will only run at max efficency for about 6 hour.

I think he would need a larger pannel if he dosent want to worry about batteries going flat.

[suggy126]

In short, yes the solar panel will charge the battery from the anderson plug, it won't run the fridge indefinately but will definately extend your stay.

[AussieChris]

Thanks for the replies guys.

To answer STIKA, the fridge runs at 0.82 amps per hour.

[CRUZAAMAD]

aah regarding the cigarette plug, it would be wired up to the main battery which isnt a great idea!!, most vehicles are!!
the fridge is meant to be wired up to the deep cycle battery, a extra line would be needed im thinking.
id rather have your old man run the deep cycle battery flat than the main battery when the solar panel is copping bad weather,so he can start the car also the solar panel needs a regulator to stop the charge going back to the panels..kind of like a one way valve.