can this unit connect to an off grid solar power system and be configured so that it turns on when the battery voltage drops below a critical level?
190980
You can connect anything if you know how to. By "configure" you probably mean, if its easy to do or does it have settings for it. I don't think it comes ready for that. Right now the battery is charged from a circuit from the House panel. Nevertheless, the controller does report battery level, so it may be a matter of reprogramming to have it turn on if it drops to a critical level. For this you may have to call KOHLER and speak to tech support. They may already have a software you can use or even a script you can download. The controller have USB connections so I suspect it is a matter of getting the interface to connect and make changes. I recommend that you download the wiring diagram for the controller from the web and look into the inputs. Good Luck! Post here if you are successful.
1655143
Only if it is using a AC to DC inverter. This unit switches on an off AC current
686192
Yes this will work. The whole purpose of having this controller is so that once a battery is "fully charged" (at ~14V), this will "disconnect" or "shut-off" the charging so you don't get the battery up to levels like the 17.5V you mention (where it will damage the battery). Even if the solar power is at levels like ~30V (while it's not charging the battery), this will still function blocking the solar power from getting to the battery until the battery voltage comes back down to 13V where it again lets the "charge" power thru.
392410
There is no simple answer. Most solar panels have a fixed 12 volt output rated in amps. People who use several batteries use a device called a controller. For off grid small batteries like yours, one solar panel should work. I se a Solar5 panel and it keeps a battery like yours charged up. For me, it is stand by power only. the 5 means it has a maximum 5 amp output in full sun. The best way is to use a controller as the other folks wrote
840397
Yes, BUT as with any solar panel, it should be connected with a Charge Controller. FYI, if you plan to run any significant use from your batteries, this solar panel would not keep up. You will most likely need at least a 60 watt panel or more.
1830353
No. It would be possible but not what they were designed for. They only work on the type of system where the meter can run backwards, not systems with battery backup. If the grid power turns off, so do they.
939636
Sure, if your solar setup has a USB output and can provide the 5V that this device needs!
417138
Yes, gives voltage for solar output, both voltage and amps when battery mode is selected. I have nothing connected to the load terminal.
1852847
Your question is way too vague. For example, what are the ratings of the solar panels (voltage, current)? How do you intend to connect them (series,parallel)? If you're concerned about keeping the batteries charged, the Tripp Lite should do this unless, of course, you don't have it connected to AC power.You would probably receive a better answer if you contacted Tripp Lite directly and explained exactly what you are trying to do. They know their equipment better than anyone else.
1206968
Yes but there is a long delay. You might try a regular 120v contactor, with the coil electrified by batteries and when your battery bank/inverter drop out the coil let's go and automatically switches to the other input which can be shore power. Then there is no interruption in power. But put sensitive electronics on a surge ups and everything will work great. That's what i do. When my batteries are charged enough they kick in the inverter which powers the coil and closes contacts to feed my load from solar. Then at night after they drain and voltage gets too low they switch back to shore power, with no interruption to my loads.
634850
I have only been able to use it as a regulator that shuts down before draining your battery. I think you would need to look into building some sort of photocell cut off relay.
1447154
I'm a little unsure of your question but by "these" if you mean controllers, I would assume you have solar panels exceeding the 40 amp capacity of a single controller. I think you could connect any number of them you wanted to in parallel each controlling its own set of solar panels. At some point I suppose you could reach the limit of your battery bank's ability to accept any more current though.
1882084
Voltage setting is Automatic. Connect to battery first so Controller can determine the Charging Voltage. Then connect the PV Panels.We usually use 24V Battery Bank, so I cannot say how well it works on 12V.
56633
If the powerpack has a 12V input, or you can connect directly to the battery, it should work fine. The controller that comes with the solar panel acts as a charger, and switches to a "float" mode when the battery is fully charged. You can leave it connected.
796339
only if you use a 12v charge controller and have you batteries wired in series. the output of the panel under load is a bit over 24v.
1092105
No, you have to connect it to your battery or a/c. You can use the 12 volts that runs the system.
860527
Unit has been connected to my solar array (Xantrax 60 amp charge controller) with 100 amp shunt since Aug 2013 and been working 24/7 without a hitch. Allows constant monitoring of battery voltage and charge current remotely. Voltage and current to 100 BUT meter power supply must be 12v-18volt.