How To Install A Solar Panel To A Battery

Match up the male and female connectors with the opposite ones coming away from the solar panel and snap the mc4 connectors into place.

How to install a solar panel to a battery.

In this situation a battery is relatively simple to install and the installation process won t require much additional equipment. We therefore aim to have alternating current ac as this is more powerful and is what most appliances run on. An inverter converts battery power collected from solar panels. You can save a significant amount of money by cutting contractors out of the equation and take pride in your own handiwork.

However for the aspiring solar diy er knowing how to install solar panels can seem daunting. Getting started with rv solar before we start it s important to note that the specifics of your setup will depend on your rig and solar kit what type of panels you have flexible rigid etc your roof size and type flat curved fiberglass rubber etc whether you have an rv or a trailer where your battery bank is located etc. To get this set up we need to understand that the solar panels usually output direct current dc as earlier mentioned. Our small installation will be 12 volts meaning we need a battery with 305 amp hours.

Simply divide watt hours by the voltage of the solar installation. A solar panel uses the photoelectric effect to convert the sun s energy to electricity. This electricity is generated at a voltage characteristic of the panel and is transmitted as direct current to a battery bank where it charges the batteries. Off grid solar installations can be 12 volt 24 volt or 48 volt the voltage you choose depends on your installation s size location and layout and needs.

This connection involves three main steps. Connect the negative wire of the solar panel to the negative terminal of the battery. This will help prevent a fire or battery explosion in the event of a short in the wiring. Given excellent conditions a 100w solar panel can produce 30ah day so with 3 100w panels you should be able charge a 200ah battery to full capacity in five full sunlight hours.

Once you ve attached the input wires to the charge connector you should have 2 loose wires each ending in an mc4 connector. Be sure to consult the instructions provided with any. Installing solar panels by yourself can be a cost effective and rewarding experience. How to connect solar panel to a battery.

Connect the positive wire from the solar panel to a battery cable with a fusible link between the battery and the solar panel.