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Connecting solar panel to NL solenoid controller

Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2016 7:22 pm
by FIRSTGEER
I have installed a second deep-cycle battery to my Hilux camper utilizing the National Luna solenoid system and it has been working well with no problems.I have recently purchased a 100 w solar panel and voltage regulator which I will be installing onto my camper.

I can install the solar panel using one of two possible options (to my limited knowledge) to connect to the existing National Luna solenoid system on my vehicle.

1. Connect the solar panel via the voltage regulator directly to the secondary battery.Will this have any issues with the power supplied from the alternator when the solenoid is engaged automatically by the NL controller ?

2. Install a 5 pin relay connected using the ' normally closed contacts ' which will charge the secondary battery when when the vehicle is stationary(engine off).The control circuit of the relay is energized using the control circuit of the NL solenoid so that when the solenoid is energized,the normally closed relay is switched to the 'Off' position and thus disconnecting the solar panel from the secondary battery.I seem to think this option is the way to go.

Can any of the members advise my on this issue before I decide which of the above methods I should use or if there are any other possibly better methods I can use ?

Re: Connecting solar panel to NL solenoid controller

Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2016 8:47 pm
by Johan Kriel
Solar charger direct to the aux battery.

Assuming you only connect the solar when stationery, not that it matter, If the solar are permanently connected.

Re: Connecting solar panel to NL solenoid controller

Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2016 9:12 pm
by FIRSTGEER
Thanks Johan.I was just worried that the input voltage from the solar may somehow have some type of problem with the alternator input voltage if they where fed together to the 2nd battery.Hve you installed something similar ?

Re: Connecting solar panel to NL solenoid controller

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2016 2:26 am
by Mud Dog
I also don't think that there will be a problem in connecting both to the aux battery directly.

I have done basically the same thing except that instead of a NL controller I have a manual switching and I haven't experienced any alternator / diode / voltage regulator or solar panel controller problems even though I have sometimes had both circuits closed. The only thing that I have noticed is that the solar controller sees the aux battery as being fully charged and it reduces / cuts supply - that means that you loose the solar input (or most of it) during that time, which is what will happen with your option 2 setup anyway.

Re: Connecting solar panel to NL solenoid controller

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2016 7:25 am
by FIRSTGEER
Thanks Andy.I also thought along those lines.When the load from the solar panel is disconnected,the voltage regulator should basically switch off.I think I will go with my option 2.I wanted to throw the idea around to see what the other members thoughts would be.Thanks to you guys for your input.

Re: Connecting solar panel to NL solenoid controller

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2016 10:24 am
by Stef
Option 2 is better, just to be on the safe side