Can this be run directly off a 15 solar panel or does it need a solar charge controller?
1177693
It will run direct. Mine goes on and off but it is hooked up to bigger panel, a thermal switch I think?
1177694
Yes, it can be run directly off the panel. I have set up a number of systems like this.
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.
1509654
I highly recommend using a charge controller with any solar panel to eliminate problems that you are speaking of. After I started using a charge controller I have not had any problems at all. Even on a 5 watt panel I would use a charge controller.
70467
Yes it is fine. Most solar panels have or need a charge controller because they put out 24v. This panel has an integrated controller, and will automatically adjust to a 12v (or 24v) battery system.
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.
594755
Without a controller and a battery, the answer is NO because this panel will put out almost 40 volts under no or a light load. With a controller and proper battery, it will do a fine job up to it's rated power.
2131190
It has multiple options. It can turn the load on when there is no sun to the panel and run from 1 hr up to 14 hrs if the battery will last. One of the options (17 i think) powers the load at all times. Provided the battery has power. I was unable to have the controller provide power directly to the load without a battery.
2045030
I run mine from an inverter that is hooked up to batteries that are charged by my solar array. It uses very little power.
1961411
I do not believe that this is possible, though I could be wrong. I was under the impression that this requires a bit of skill, perhaps a designated solar breaker, etc. The battery required, would be a solar battery (deep cycle battery). You would wire this from the panels to a solar charge controller, battery and an inverter.
1856915
The controller will run any small amp draw item from the controller , led lights , 12 volt lights , radio , etc. I installed a solar plug in our bedroom that runs off our inverter all day long (2 Years now ) while solar controller is charging battery bank that powers a table lamp at night , 20 " flat screen , ang my garage lights , and all chargers for cell phones ,laptops , tablet every day on two 6 volt golf cart batteries . works great for short term power outages !
716897
Yes it will overcharge your battery without a charge controller. I used a Sunforce 7 Amp Charge Controller which is $13.99 on Amazon. A diode won't work.
1848603
You need a charge controller. I bought this one AGPtek® 30A Solar Panel Power Battery Charge Controller / Regulator 12V / 24V 30 Amp with PWM Type of Charging (Automatic Lighting Control + Time Functions) , but I had to cut the wires on the solar panel to connect to the charge controller. You can get adapters, but I'm not sure what those are called.
264930
For one panel I use a 7 amp in line charge controller.The Sun Force 7 amp controller, which is available on Amazon for $14.01, has worked well for me.It also contains a diode to prevent the battery from discharging at night.The max output of the panel is about 3 amps.
2055357
You always need a Solar Charge Controller between the solar panel and the battery. This particular solar panel comes with a solar charge controller, so you don't need to buy one. You will need to connect it. The controller that came with the panel I bought is not high quality. I purchased a separate charge controller. The charge controller needs to be rated for 12 V battery and at least 2 A (amps). There are many available. How you connect to the battery depends on the battery terminals. I need reliability, so I bought ring crimp-connectors that fit the clamps on the battery.
1069973
Yes, just connect it independently to the batteries(not through the solar charge controller).
1878730
You would also need a Solar Charge Controller & a Battery. Check YouTube for instructions.
1103656
There is just a solar panel. And you would have to mount it to some post and may need some additional wire to connect it to solar charge controller.