automotive voltage regulator for solar cells

[axis11]

Hi!Im newby. I just recently purchased a KW of 6x6 cells with kit and a 10amp controller. Im not a pro but i think the controller does not match the power. I have a used automotive voltage regulator rated at 50amps (I think).My battery is 200AH deep cycle and im expecting a 50% DOD at night.Will this regulator work? Or you have a better but not too costly recommendation?

[Mike90250]

Well, everybody just wants to jump in with both feet.

If you are planning to build a 12V system, the controller you bought is not sufficent, but for a 100V system, it can manage 10 amps, but I'kk bet that's not your plan.

Automotive regualtors are built to control field voltage on an alternator, soalr PV controllers regulate the amount of power flowing from the panels to the batteries, very different things, and not easily modified.

[john p]

Axis 11 yes you can use an auto regulator .No it wont work. The problem is as Mike said. and even if it did work in some fashion it would not work well as the needs of car charging is totally different to solar panel charging.

[axis11]

tnx for the quick response. I was expecting the same outcome, just wanted to be sure. Now im missing one last vital part, the controller. Maybe i'll mention all the data I have so it will be easier to give suggestions. Im planning on 12 volts system.12V 200AH battery, inverter with 12vdc to 220ac, 1500watts continuous.panels will be 18v,3.6A total 18 pieces in parallel. My buget is now low so im finding ways to make this project work at minimal cost. 60amp controller + shipping is costly. is there any way to avoid this costly controller and still make the project work?
P.S.
My average monthly consumption is around 100kwH. estimated load at night is around 1kw/14 hours.

[john p]

There is simply no way to avoid using a charge controller. You are in Phils where you wanting to get the controler shipped from? They only weigh about 2kg so freight not high.
Where in Phils are you?

[axis11]

No other choice but to spend a little more rather than loose all the stuff i have started. My home town is in oriental mindoro, about 100 miles south of manila. Im planning to install my panels there. But im still here in riyadh,saudi arabia. A few days remaining before i fly to my hometown and start assembling my panels. Where in australia are you? I've been to bunbury once in 2005.

[john p]

im in brisbane. you can buy the controller where you are?? if yes just bring it in your bagage then no freight cost. As you know no one is going to check whats in your bags in Manila

[axis11]

I think nobody is selling DIY controllers and cells here in saudi arabia. gas here is cheap, around 45 US cents per gallon. Im looking at ebay but there are cheap and very costly brands. . Im planning on reducing my panels to what I only need. The rest, ill try to sell. I estimated around 600watts net will be enough for me to completely get off the grid. a little over 30 amps. On ebay, when they say 30 A 12/24V, does it mean 30 amp at 24V and 15amp at 12V? Are these controllers available in manila? Do you have any recommendation,capacity, brand.

[john p]

I have not found much of anything Solar in Manila or Cebu and what there is its grossly overpriced. And guarantee just about non existant

[raymondalmeda]

Hi Axis!

I'm also in the Philippines. If you are in Manila there are some establishments that I can give to you that sells Solar Stuff. There are a lot of these thing here, it's just that the public has not embraced it yet because of the cost. I have my own solar setup as well and it's running fine. I know a supplier where you can buy a suitable controller for your panels.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=110199&id=1460868554&l=8dbb187d24

Thanks!

[axis11]

I cant open the link.Anyway I already bought a 45amp controller from ebay last night.Not enough for my cells but enough for what I need. I'll reduce the number of panels and install the rest to my parents house. I will be needing another controller later on, but first i will have to finish mine.Send me the name and location of the sellers anyway.tnx

[axis11]

editing error ,sorry.

[raymondalmeda]

I cant open the link.Anyway I already bought a 45amp controller from ebay last night.Not enough for my cells but enough for what I need. I'll reduce the number of panels and install the rest to my parents house. I will be needing another controller later on, but first i will have to finish mine.Send me the name and location of the sellers anyway.tnx

Try the link again, I already fxced it. why don't you go 24 instead? Series the 2 panels 1KW @ 24v would just sum up to +/- 26a in total.

His hardware is in Boni Serrano, "Gerry" - 09228943779

[axis11]

Cant go 24v right now, maybe in the future. I already purchased only 1 battery 12v 200ah motolite solarmaster.Buying another battery would not be economical.It would give me about 25% discharge of my battery and it will take me longer to break even with the cost.Anyway, 45amps should be enough.Im thinking of connecting just 12 panels of 3.6amps to the controller.The remaining six will be supplied parallel to the controllers input during cloudy days via a manual on/off swith.Thats for now only while i have not found a new home for the extra panels.Cant keep it there while Im away.Dont want to burn the controller.

[raymondalmeda]

Cant go 24v right now, maybe in the future. I already purchased only 1 battery 12v 200ah motolite solarmaster.Buying another battery would not be economical.It would give me about 25% discharge of my battery and it will take me longer to break even with the cost.Anyway, 45amps should be enough.Im thinking of connecting just 12 panels of 3.6amps to the controller.The remaining six will be supplied parallel to the controllers input during cloudy days via a manual on/off swith.Thats for now only while i have not found a new home for the extra panels.Cant keep it there while Im away.Dont want to burn the controller.

Ah ok.. I'm assuming you placed your battery bank outside right? In the future, if your budget would permit you. You might want to consider going for AGM Batteries. They are sealed and releases almost no combustible fumes at all. Tell me if you are going to sell some of the other panels, I might be able to find buyers and / or buy some from you.