New to solar panels - advice needed

[steveindenmark]

I am totally new to solar panels.
I bought this kit just to try and learn the basics, before moving on. I could use some help.

The kit I got was a solar panel with 2 crocodile clips and thickish wire. A controller and 2 sets of very thin double core wire.

There are no other ports on the solar panel. Just a slide down Hatcher, showing where the wires are sondere to the solar panel.

My first thought is the crocodile clips should go to the battery. But then there is no way to connect the controller.

Looking at the controller and the instructions, which do not make much sense to me. The solar panel gets attached to the first 2 ports. That would mean removing the crocodile clips. The next 2 ports are for the battery and the thin wires would not provide enough power to a battery. The last 2 ports are for appliances.

My plan is to use it to charge my phone and maybe a spare motorbike battery, if it is strong enough.

I would appreciate any advice you can give to get it working.

Bear in mind I have no idea and would not know a volt from an amp.

 

[Alex321]

We have a camper van with a solar panel fitted.

I can't quite be sure, but I think the wires with the crocodile clips are for if you want to make a direct connection from the solar panel, though that seems a little odd.

Normally, you connect the two wires from the panel into the marked ports on the controller (the two left ones as you say), and then you connect the battery to the battery port using your own wires.

It doesn't need very thick wires, because the current will not be high - the solar panel is probably 100 or 120W

 

[fossyant]

Looks like you have the wiring sussed - the clips will have to come off. The panel I have has the standard MC4 connectors as it's a portable system, to which you can attach the correct 'port connector' for your particular battery - I don't have a controller as that's in with the powerpack (Anker).

 

[Alex321]

Doesn't it come with instructions as to how to connect it up?

 

[Drago]

Victron controller, or a clone?

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

do you have the make and model

maybe from the packaging or from your order?

that way we can find a manual and someone might be able to help more

 

[tom73]

@Drago its a common basic none branded PWM controller.
As for the OP your right the controller basically go's between the panel and what you gave it connected to.
So either remove the croc clips and attach the whole length of the wire to the controller. Then use some other cable to attach it to the battery.
Or cut the wire and wire the controller to one end and the rest of the wire to battery connection of the controller. Then clip it on to the battery.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

do you have the make and model

maybe from the packaging or from your order?

that way we can find a manual and someone might be able to help more

It’s a ‘Melgeek’ solar kit but I can’t find instructions for it anywhere. I’d have hoped they’d be in the box!

 

[Alex321]

Victron controller, or a clone?

Not a Victron, it would say so with a logo on the front.

Similar to this one, which I thnk is the one we have in the camper van

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

It’s a ‘Melgeek’ solar kit but I can’t find instructions for it anywhere. I’d have hoped they’d be in the box!

I have just looked at their website - at least the one that comes up which maybe region based

and they only seem to have things like keyboards and small computer accessories

nothing as big or similar to solar panels!

maybe they are different in your area??

anyway - maybe look at your orders and contact them directly and ask for a manual by email??

 

[Alex321]

I think this is the "manual" for the controller
https://www.solorder.se/image/data/...woCuSH9oC2jhdCm3T6KWBLjxoOCaj3A3w8Sb5HlYzG00a

I think kt is branded either topcloud or lowenergie