For those of you with Solar Controllers, can you tell me for sure if I remove the solar panels from their input on the controller and instead, feed a 12v 2A input from a 110v wall wart transformer, will this charge the battery successfully?
Solar Controller Question
- Thread starter Dissent
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I would not advise it. Solar panels put out a higher voltage than the charge controller puts to the battery. Usually in the 14.5 to 18 volt range. It then regulates it down to the charging voltage. By using a 12 volt power supply you will most likely cause damage to your controller. At the very least it will not charge the battery.
I agree with Dimples
Also what you'll more than likely want to add a diode to your circuit, it's an often overlooked piece of the puzzle. Solar panels can discharge a battery at night. Amazon.com : 50 Volt 10 Amp Schottky Diodes for Solar Panels (Pack of 5) : Patio, Lawn & Garden
Also what you'll more than likely want to add a diode to your circuit, it's an often overlooked piece of the puzzle. Solar panels can discharge a battery at night. Amazon.com : 50 Volt 10 Amp Schottky Diodes for Solar Panels (Pack of 5) : Patio, Lawn & Garden
- Thread starter
- #5
I understand what you both are saying but I don't fully understand how a 14.5 to 18v input voltage regulated down to 12v is any different than a 12v regulated input. Once through the regulating circuit, 12v is 12v right? The battery doesn't care how big it was BEFORE the regulator. I appreciate your feedback but this is where I started. I may have to call Morningstar to get a solid answer on this.
Just to shine some light on 12 volt. 12 volt in battery terms is a general term. To change a 12 volt battery requires 13.8 to 14.4 volts.
You can obviously do with your stuff as you wish. I am pretty sure morningstar will also highly advise against this though.
You can obviously do with your stuff as you wish. I am pretty sure morningstar will also highly advise against this though.
- Thread starter
- #7
True, I'm well aware of the voltages involved but the Morningstar specs don't have a Min. Input, just a Max of 30V.
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- #8
OK, I found an actual support question about DC input in lieu of PV panels. It seems to depend on the controller type. Morningstar controllers don't support DC input on PWM panels due to excessive output capacitance which can cause excessive heat, however MPPT controllers will support DC input...still determining the minimum voltage. I didn't foresee excessive output capacitance as the issue but I've learned a lot so far.
Morningstar Support Description:
Can I use a power source other than a PV panel to charge my batteries?
We do not recommend using a DC power supply with any of our PWM controllers. While they appear to be similar to PV modules in function, DC power supplies have considerably more output capacitance. Connecting a DC power supply to our PWM controllers may cause excessive heating and premature failure. MPPT controllers can be used for this purpose without issue. In addition, AC powered battery chargers are often the best option for systems requiring AC battery charging.
Morningstar Support Description:
Can I use a power source other than a PV panel to charge my batteries?
We do not recommend using a DC power supply with any of our PWM controllers. While they appear to be similar to PV modules in function, DC power supplies have considerably more output capacitance. Connecting a DC power supply to our PWM controllers may cause excessive heating and premature failure. MPPT controllers can be used for this purpose without issue. In addition, AC powered battery chargers are often the best option for systems requiring AC battery charging.
I have used an 1 amp Battery Minder Plus charger (wired directly to the batteries) with several different panels and controllers and never an issue. My present solar set up for the last couple years is a PWM Morningstar controller, 100W Grape Solar Flexiable panel, and 2 - 4 year old Blue Optimas.
My take away is a high amp charger would not be a good thing.
My take away is a high amp charger would not be a good thing.
- Thread starter
- #10
Agreed. A charger on the battery is fine. A charger on the PV is not supported. Input amperage I planned was only 1-2 amps max. I was trying to have Solar and DC charging with only 1 device.
I guess I dont understand the difference between the a charger on the PV and battery. Seems like the same thing from the way things are wired
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- #12
Charger on the battery works fine. Charger on the PV input has excessive capacitance for that input. I'm going to call Morningstar Monday to confirm. Else I have to use the solar controller AND an external UPS style charger which is twice as much stuff in a box that won't hold it. 
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- #13
Here's the ammo can/speaker box it has to fit in.
Solar powered ghetto blaster?
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- #15
Yup. 