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  • controller or no controller

    Why do 15 watt panels not need a controller but 20 watt panels do? Both produce voltages well above 12v.

  • #2
    Who told you that?
    MSEE, PE

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    • #3
      I think the OP is referring to those small solar trickle chargers that come with a small solar panel that hooks directly up to the battery.

      Those chargers put out a voltage just above what the battery needs to be "maintained". It will not be able to re-charge a discharged battery in one day or maybe one week.

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      • #4
        To see an actual test of why even a dinky 12w panel with no controller is a bad idea:

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5RtZe9AW2E

        Forunately he didn't totally sacrifice those good test batteries!

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