Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

    Hey all,

    The time has come where I am now fed up with the standard D4D charging system for the second battery as it seems hard to keep the power up to the engel (which is always on).

    I am after some advice as to how I should run a solar panel recharge system at home for the battery.

    What I have in mind is this: I have two BP 80w 5amp solar panel sitting around the garage gattering dust. I want to put these on the roof of the carport and run a cable to the back of the carport and a branch off to the front and have an anderson plug on them. I will then run an anderson plugged cable from the rear of the car to the battery(ies?) and use an extension cable to connect the car to the panels depending if we have parked under the carport or outside. I am running an ARB Battery isolator at the moment. I was thinking that I would also like to run a light onto the dash somewhere to let us know that we are plugged in so we don't drive off with cables plugged in.

    I know that I need some sort of a solar regulator but there are so many versions out there and everone I have talked to has said their's is better than the other one. I also don't know if this type of thing is possible either and whether I connect the cables directly to the second battery or the isolator or maybe even the main battery?

    Any help on this is greatly appreciated. Sorry if the details are sketchy but it looks good in my noggin'.

    Lets turn it over to the PP experts for advice!
    Regards,

    Big Fella

    2007 Prado GXL D-4D Auto. Black. Cooper ATR's, ARB Bull Bar, Safari Snorkel, ARB Dual Battery, Sandgrabba Mats, Black Duck Seat Covers, Plastic Bits on the front, Mesh Grill Guard, Tinted Front Windows, Towbar, Reverse Sensors, Lightforce Blitz 240's, ORS Drawer System. ScanguageII, Stebel Truck Horn, Icom 440 UHF Radio and BIlstein/Ridepro Premium Lift Kit.

    If you can't fix it with a hammer...... you have an electrical problem.

    [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/pradovx96/Web%20photos/emailsig.jpg[/img]

  • #2
    Re: Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

    Originally posted by pradogxlv6
    Andy,

    I reckon ya could hook up an alternator to ya pushy, lift it up on a stand and pedal to ya hearts content.... that would keep that pesky battery charged up

    Cheers :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
    Nah mate I got our Hamster on that job already.

    Thanks though. Not the answer I was looking for, close but not close enough.
    Regards,

    Big Fella

    2007 Prado GXL D-4D Auto. Black. Cooper ATR's, ARB Bull Bar, Safari Snorkel, ARB Dual Battery, Sandgrabba Mats, Black Duck Seat Covers, Plastic Bits on the front, Mesh Grill Guard, Tinted Front Windows, Towbar, Reverse Sensors, Lightforce Blitz 240's, ORS Drawer System. ScanguageII, Stebel Truck Horn, Icom 440 UHF Radio and BIlstein/Ridepro Premium Lift Kit.

    If you can't fix it with a hammer...... you have an electrical problem.

    [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/pradovx96/Web%20photos/emailsig.jpg[/img]

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

      I don't know about the solar chargers etc, but what I do know is the single most effective battery maintainer I have ever used is the Battery Fighter Believe me, I have had to throw away many batteries before I found this gadget. It monitors the battery and gives it what it needs. Mine came from Jaycar. There's a lot of crap on the net about them, but they seem to do a great job of reading the battery condition and bringing it up to and maintaining full charge.

      Maybe it would work with solar => 240V => Battery Fighter => Battery ?

      They come with a quick release coupling that would take less force than an Anderson plug. I haven't tried it (and hope not to), but I think if I drove off with it connected, the plug would separate before it wrecked the battery or wiring. If you really want to use an anderson plug, I'd suggest leaving one of the lighter duty connectors in the line somewhere just in case...

      Michael
      2008 D4D M6 GXL [MT ATZ-P3][Whitey's Ironman 45710FE/45682FE+KTFR101H/Dob487][extended Roadsafe links][Polyairs][DBA T3/T2][amts diffdrop & recovery points][Tin175's stone guards][Bushskins BashPlate][ARB Sahara][IPF 900s][Snorkel][WindCheetah][MaxTrax][IC-440][Parrot Asteroid][ARB Fridge][Lifestyle 2nd Row Fridge Mount][ARB Compressor][Thumper][SandGrabbers][Cargo Barrier][Tigerz Awning][MCC Rear Bar]

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

        Hi There Big Fella, was just reading your possible set up for the solar panals, one thing that would worry me !!!!!!!!! How long due you think for it to happen, where Lacey will jump in the prado hit the key, hit drive and drive out through the gates taking the solar anderson lead with her ?????? LOL Only joking Gretta, but I reckon its something I would manage to do. Glad to see your back from holidays nice & safe. When are you back to work ?? Regards Steve
        Face lift 150 Prado V6 auto. No mods yet

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

          Originally posted by Steve M
          Hi There Big Fella, was just reading your possible set up for the solar panals, one thing that would worry me !!!!!!!!! How long due you think for it to happen, where Lacey will jump in the prado hit the key, hit drive and drive out through the gates taking the solar anderson lead with her ?????? LOL Only joking Gretta, but I reckon its something I would manage to do. Glad to see your back from holidays nice & safe. When are you back to work ?? Regards Steve
          Hey Steve,

          Got the dreaded call late yesterday and I'm at the Airport now going back to SA for a few weeks of paid hell.

          Catch ya.

          Call around with the family and see Lacey. She is dying to meet the new the addition
          Regards,

          Big Fella

          2007 Prado GXL D-4D Auto. Black. Cooper ATR's, ARB Bull Bar, Safari Snorkel, ARB Dual Battery, Sandgrabba Mats, Black Duck Seat Covers, Plastic Bits on the front, Mesh Grill Guard, Tinted Front Windows, Towbar, Reverse Sensors, Lightforce Blitz 240's, ORS Drawer System. ScanguageII, Stebel Truck Horn, Icom 440 UHF Radio and BIlstein/Ridepro Premium Lift Kit.

          If you can't fix it with a hammer...... you have an electrical problem.

          [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/pradovx96/Web%20photos/emailsig.jpg[/img]

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

            Big Fella,

            You will definitely need a regulator to ensure that the solar panels do not cook the battery, as their output voltage will naturally be much more than you should charge a battery at.

            You could have a voltage sensing circuit connected directly to the aux. battery that indicated it was being charged, but this would be a bit of work just to indicate this.

            I have a couple of small solar panels connected to one of my trucks, with a cigarette outlet socket wired directly to the battery. When the truck is parked in its shed, I run the cable from the panels over the side mirror and back to the battery where is plugs in. This way you have to move the cable out of the way to get in and hence makes it difficult to forget to unplug it.

            Email me directly if you want some more assistance with setup or equipment, as this is one of the things my company does.
            [b]Matthew ... [url=http://www.ample-outdoors.com.au][color=blue]Ample Outdoors[/color][/url] - Outdoor & Off-Road Equipment[/b]
            [b][color=red]EMAIL ME IN PREFERENCE TO PM! [/color] [color=blue]Avatar - PradoPoint Gathering, July 2009, Glen Helen[/color][/b]
            2006 4.0 V6 Manual GX, 2008 D4D Manual GXL

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

              BF, you maybe able to get away from using a regulator because the Engel is "Always On" as you say. There are a few models on EBay, Projecta etc... they pretty much do the same job. A 10amp solar regulator should be enough for your.

              I use a panel and don't use a regulator when the fridge is running on our camping trips.
              Cheers,
              Dustie

              Self confessed PP addict!! hmm.. now thats not a bad habit is it......

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

                USE A REGULATOR - that way you can take advantage of the panels sitting there to keep a spare battery or other vehicle trickle charged and it won't cause any damage to a battery if the circuit is not loaded!

                The only time you can safely get away without a regulator is with very small panels that can't provide enough energy to damage your battery.
                [b]Matthew ... [url=http://www.ample-outdoors.com.au][color=blue]Ample Outdoors[/color][/url] - Outdoor & Off-Road Equipment[/b]
                [b][color=red]EMAIL ME IN PREFERENCE TO PM! [/color] [color=blue]Avatar - PradoPoint Gathering, July 2009, Glen Helen[/color][/b]
                2006 4.0 V6 Manual GX, 2008 D4D Manual GXL

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

                  Ok,

                  As far as I know on the subject, a regulator is the go! depending on how much your wanting to spend!.

                  You could go for a Steca PR2020, which is a SMART battery charger for a solar panel, depending on how you hook it up it tells you charge rate, discharge, and give you a percentage of how fully charged your battery is. ( I have this unit and 2 105ah batteries. Straight away this unit told me that my batteries were only 76% charged from the cars alternator).

                  Or if you don't want to spend $200 plus, go for an cheaper version with PWM ( Pulse Width Modulation), like the Sundaya Apple 20amp, which retails for around $60. Ain't got the bells and whistles of the steca but will still charge your battery.

                  Now regarding having a light in the dash??????? dunno how well that would work if it is relying on voltage being fed into the battery if it is solar! As if you needed to drive away at night, the light would not be on!!!! Simple solution is to put a cardboard sign over the steering wheel, but what the ...! if it is connected via an anderson plug and lead, just make sure the lead is firmly attached to something, then drive off!, the anderson plug will disconnect with moderate force!

                  2 x 80w = 160w

                  160w / 12volt = 13.333

                  13.3333 amps, due to fluctuations in standards, I would look for no less than 20amp solar controller/regulator. 15amp may work, but if panels produce more, depending on regulator may shutdown, Break, or at best, you would lose some charging amps!!!

                  Hope this helps
                  2007 Prado D4D GXL - Waeco 50litre - Dual Batteries 105ah- Redarc Smart Start - Customline Camper Trailer(3rd 105ah battery) - 2 inch Ironman lift kit - BFG's 265/70-17

                  Wish List (Snorkel - car topper boat with 5hp)

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

                    Big Fella,

                    What happens when you're away from the solar panels on your garage roof?

                    You need something to properly charge your aux battery when driving, and/or something to charge it in the garage.

                    If you get the first right, you'll rarely need the second. If you do need the second (garage) facility try a CTEK 7000 or some such.

                    I use a RanOx (www.ranox.com.au) under the pax seat to maintain my Prado's aux battery while driving. When camping I use my camper's solar with a regulator to top it up.

                    Cheers
                    2007 D4D GXL.Suspension by Ultimate, Minto - modest lift.DIY shelf unit (help from ORS, Narellan).Polyairs.Dual batteries with RanOx smart DC-DC charger.Towing a Kimberley Karavan with another RanOx.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

                      What about something like this http://cgi.ebay.com.au/80watt-Fold-out- ... 0322234971
                      [url=http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=12264]My Prado[/url]

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

                        Originally posted by D4D
                        Thanks D4D but as I already have 2x80w panels (free) I don't want to buy more. I will at this stage be looking at either a solar based solution or Ranox. We don't tend to go away for more than a day or two anymore due to work commitments so the solar system has its advantages. I just need the regulator (ie Steca) and have way more cabling and anderson plugs than the local auto store has ever seen ops: . When ever I get the chance to get home I will have a good look into it and make some better decisions there than what I can here in the middle of the freaking 50degree plus desert
                        Regards,

                        Big Fella

                        2007 Prado GXL D-4D Auto. Black. Cooper ATR's, ARB Bull Bar, Safari Snorkel, ARB Dual Battery, Sandgrabba Mats, Black Duck Seat Covers, Plastic Bits on the front, Mesh Grill Guard, Tinted Front Windows, Towbar, Reverse Sensors, Lightforce Blitz 240's, ORS Drawer System. ScanguageII, Stebel Truck Horn, Icom 440 UHF Radio and BIlstein/Ridepro Premium Lift Kit.

                        If you can't fix it with a hammer...... you have an electrical problem.

                        [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/pradovx96/Web%20photos/emailsig.jpg[/img]

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Solar Panel Charging - setup assistance

                          I can currently get away with between 48-72 hours of battery use before a good drive is needed to recharge, but with soaring temperatures last weekend I was finding the second battery was draining within 12-48 hours, and am now looking at a (hopefully inexpensive) solar panel setup which I can connect and disconnect to assist in trickle charging the second battery when not driving. I've been reading some of the other posts on solar panels on this forum and other forums but am still confused and am looking for some advice.

                          I'm trying to determine what wattage panel I should be purchasing and what regulator I should use. The Engel draws about 1 amp so I'm guessing I should charge with more than this. I figure that means I'll need a panel providing at least 20 watts - but that's when they start gettig expensive. Is this right, or would a panel providing 5 or 10 watts be sufficient? Depending on the wattage, what type of regulator should I use.

                          I'm looking at spending around $150, if that's even realistic - so any help would be appreciated!

                          Cheers
                          [size=2][b]Prado 120 - 2004 GXL V6[/size][/b]
                          [size=1]ARB deluxe bar, OME 2" lift, Safari snorkel, BFG A/T's, Ironman winch, LED bar, Redarc DC-DC dual battery, Rhino Rack Pioneer tray, Outback drawers and plenty of goodies inside. [/size]

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Solar Panel Charging the 120 D4D

                            150 would get you a regulator. But you need to spend a fist full more to get some panel/s that will provide enough juice to charge the battery and allow for the overnight discharge. I use a 64 watt panel and this works great at keeping the battery topped up when running the fridge. I get up to 3.5 amps out of this panel and being an amorphous panel works well in the heat and low light/not direct sunlight conditions.
                            Cheers
                            Steve
                            Lightforce 240Blitz driving lights, Rear hitch recovery point, GME tx3400 uhf, 64watt Uni-Solar cell, ARB CKMA12 Air compressor. all awaiting new vehicle to be delivered so they can be remounted.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Solar Panel Charging - setup assistance

                              Thanks Steve - I thought $!50 might be pushing it, but one can always dream.

                              A bloke was trying to tell me the other day a $30 panel from Jaycar would do the job - I'm thinking something similar to this:
                              http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MB3501
                              or this
                              http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MB3503

                              I'm guessing he had no idea
                              [size=2][b]Prado 120 - 2004 GXL V6[/size][/b]
                              [size=1]ARB deluxe bar, OME 2" lift, Safari snorkel, BFG A/T's, Ironman winch, LED bar, Redarc DC-DC dual battery, Rhino Rack Pioneer tray, Outback drawers and plenty of goodies inside. [/size]

                              Comment

                              canli bahis siteleri bahis siteleri ecebet.net
                              mencisport.com
                              antalya escort
                              tsyd.org deneme bonusu veren siteler
                              deneme bonusu veren siteler
                              gaziantep escort
                              gaziantep escort
                              asyabahis maltcasino olabahis olabahis
                              erotik film izle Rus escort gaziantep rus escort
                              atasehir escort tuzla escort
                              sikis sex hatti
                              en iyi casino siteleri
                              deneme bonusu veren siteler
                              casibom
                              deneme bonusu veren siteler
                              deneme bonusu veren siteler
                              betticket istanbulbahis
                              Working...
                              X