to attach a 30w solar panel to this 600, do i need a charge controller or just the dc cig adapter to plug into the 600 to charge? thanks
1027176
According to the directions you do not need a charge controller for a 30w panel on this unit. Larger panels would require a charge controller.
1027177
I've just talked to Instapark. There has been a change in the 600 Pro. It now requires a solar charge control to bridge the two together. The very nice folks at Instapark are sending me the $20 kit for free! http://www.instapark.com/solar-power-charge-controllers/instapark-incc1205-12v-5a-waterproof-pwm-solar-charge-controll.html
1027178
Note for those wishing to charge with solar panel: The new, black, PowerPack Pro (DR600PWR) doesn't have a coaxial DC (barrel type) charging port like the previous orange version. Instead, you must charge it with the single 12V DC outlet. Therefore, you can't be charging it and simultaneously use any 12V DC products. And there is no over-charging protection through this port, as was available through the small coaxial DC (barrel type) DC charging port in the previous model. A step backwards IMHO.
1027179
Here is what you can use to hook up a solar panel to your Duracell. Hook directly to an unregulated 30 Watt solar panel. Philmore Right Angle DC Power Plug with 6 feet Cable - 2.5mm I.D. 5.5mm O.D TC250 This is for the older version of the 600. The newer version needs a 2.1 x 5.5 mm.
1027180
Here is a link to a .pdf copy of the manual that comes with the unit:http://www.postpeakliving.com/downloads/Duracell-Powerpack600-OwnersGuide.pdfsee page 31 of the manual (page 42 of the .pdf file) for the manufacturer's instructions on how to connect to a solar panel. It does not mention the need for an external charge controller. I believe all of the charge controlling for this unit is handled by an internal component.
412102
Yes, that's true ~. 2x30watt panels = 60 watts going to your controller. Good luck & have fun capturing the Sun. :-)
1439220
It comes with mc4 connectors on the leads. I know it shows all the other wires in the picture but the newer panel just comes with the 2 (-) and (+) leads. Yes, you will need a solar controller if you are hooking this panel to a battery. The controller regulates voltage into the battery to prevent overcharging and a good controller will automatically disconnect if the voltage gets too low.
1293262
You will need a copper buss bar and some mc4 connectors. Run the positive wires in 10 gauge wire from the panels to the copper buss bar then a 8 gauge stranded copper wire from the buss bar to the charge controller. You can get a mc4 tee connector to tie the negative wires together and run one wire to the location of the charge controller. Do not do this for the positive wires from the panels to the controller, that's what I Sid first and found out a couple weeks later I was only getting power from one panel.
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.
1332100
The charge control can handle up to 7A. Your 30 watt panel puts out ~1.68A at high noon. You should be fine with one charge controller charging two or more batteries and it would require more charge time. Just make sure you hook up your batteries correctly. Personally and for convenience I would much prefer to get two charge controller with two solar panels for the two batteries so that I could avoid having to move and or reconnect the batteries. A larger solar panel can would benefit you quite a bit if you need to drawn power from the battery each night. Hope you are using deep cycle batteries.
2242775
You won't want to connect the panel directly to a battery, as it could damage or overcharge it. The panel itself only provides a voltage, you need a charge controller between the panel and the battery. The one I used (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HWQZNQ/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc;=1) is not currently available, but should give you an idea of what to look for. You want a controller that can handle at least 30 watts and 17.5 volts input for charging 12v batteries.
1316169
No you will need a charge controller such as this one Docooler Solar Charge Controller Solar Panel Battery Regulator Safe Protection (10A) There is a overcharge protection circuit within the charge controller. How long it will take depends on how low it is and how much sun is available.
99419
No. You do not need a charge controller until you exceed 15watts of power.The discharge protection is a simple diode that prevents the battery from draining back out to the pane at night. But because of that diode, DO NOT START THE CAR WITH THE PANEL STILL CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY! You will destroy the diode and weaken the panel's charging ability.
63412
You Need A Charge Controller. Connect Your Battery And YourSolar Panel(S) To The Charge Controller.The Gauge(Thickness) Of The Wire Depends On The Distance From The Charge Controller To The Solar Panel And The Battery.You Should Be Able To Find Some Images online.
567128
Without seeing the schematic for the hook up, it is hard to advise you. There should be a charge input, that would go to the solar panel. There should be a load, that should be the device you are running, and there should be a battery connection, which is of course the battery. Make sure you observe the correct polarities on all of them. They should me marked + and -. If you are not sure, use a volt-ohm-meter to check.
2181665
You will need a controller, such as the Schumacher SPC-7A 12 Volt Solar Charge Controller that Amazon sells. The necessary connectors minus a long extension are included. It'll work fine.
1734619
Zach, go to the website: Remember to calculate the maximum voltage you will receive. For example, I use a 24 volt system for five solar panels of 270 watts each. When the sun shines at high noon, I get about 35v going to the batteries. So I figure my watts limitation for the C60 Charge controller is 2100, but I am coming in at 1350 watts for five panels.
592385
I actually attached mine to my DC to AC inverter that is wired to my 12 volt battery. I soldered an "eye" type of connector on the end of the wires that come off the controller. I also attached the wires with the standard solar clips just like the ones provided in the kit that they provide. It was just for convenience to un-hook my system at the RV compartment for easy set-up and take down when traveling. One other item of note, put a 10 amp fuse both before and after the controller. This protects both the controller and the system.
1784696
You will NOT need anything else. Any Solar Panel will not need a controller 5 watts and lower. Anytime you use a panel that is over 5 watts rated output, we recommend using a solar controller. Actually, a charge controller is a good idea in a majority of applications. A charge controller can provide several benefits such as preventing overcharge, improve charge quality, and prevent battery discharge in low or no light conditions. Some solar panels are made with blocking diodes pre-installed that prevent battery discharge during low or no light conditions. In most case where a 6-watt or larger solar panel is installed use of a charger controller is highly recommended. In a nutshell, solar charge controllersact like an on and off switch, allowing power to pass when the battery needs it and cutting it off when the battery is fully charged. Something to be aware of when selecting a controller is that they are typically rated in amps, while photovoltaic panels are typically rated in watts. So the morningstar SS-6, 6 amp controller will work with nearly every panel we sell right up to about 70 watts.
1317252
Yes, the Inverter should hook directly to the battery, with very large cables. You can run your low wattage dc loads off the Renogy 30 amp charge controller. I run some 12 volt dc lamps off the charge controller. See the diagram on Renogy's web site for an example... Follow the hookup order for the cables to the charge controller
1316172
Buy a Solar charge controller 10 watts to the battery after you hook it up via the instructions that come with it. Cost for controller was eleven bucks. No chance of overcharging your battery. The thing ,35 watt panel, charges my battery in about 6hrs.