Frequently Asked Questions for Solar Panels
Can I connect my solar panel through the cigar lighter socket?
Yes this works very well, however as will all chargers this will only work if the cigar lighter socket is live when the ignition switch is off.
Can I connect two solar panels together to configure a 24V system?
Yes, although it takes a bit of ingenuity! The panels need to be connected in series and ICP Sunsei connector cables only configure the panels into a 12V system by paralleling them. In order to make them fit for a 24V set up you would have to cut the connector cables and connect the red with the black, and then take your output from the two remaining leads. You would also require a charge controller which would be able to handle a 24V configuration - such as the CC-25000.
Can I drive my vehicle whilst my solar panel SE170 / SE500 / SE1500 is still connected?
Yes. Sunsei panels are designed to be connected to the battery permanently. There is no need to disconnect them when charging the batteries by other means, such as AC chargers or your vehicle's generator or alternator.
Can I overcharge my battery with the SE170?
If the battery capacity is less than 40Ah it is possible it may become overcharged. Therefore we would recommend using a charge controller for batteries with smaller capacities.
Can I run my 240V appliances using my solar panel?
Not directly. You will need an inverter that will change the battery's 12V (DC) output to 240V (AC). Inverters though are power hungry, so you will lose a lot of power in the process.
Can I use my solar panel to run my TV?
No - unfortunately solar panels do not provide a stable voltage which is required in order to make TVs function correctly.
Can I use the SE170 outside?
The SE170 is not weatherproof. Any attempt to make it weatherproof by sealing it with something akin to Sikaflex will invalidate the warranty.
Can the SE1500 be left outside without protective covering?
Yes, these panels have been weather protected and can be left outdoors. They can withstand 1/2 inch hailstones, up to 82 Celsius / 180 Fahrenheit and even operate under 3 inches of snow! (on sunny days of course.)
I need a waterproof solar charger for my motorcycle. Which unit should I choose?
Generally the SE170 is the better unit for a small motorcycle battery (typically between 20 and 30Ah). However the SE170 is NOT weatherproof. The SE500 can be used as it is weatherproof, however if the intention is to leave the charger connected indefinitely then a charge controller should be used in conjunction with it in order to prevent the battery from becoming over charged.
Should I choose the SE170 or the SE500 to trickle charge my vehicle?
Which unit you opt for should depend on the size of the vehicle's battery and the amount of electronic gadgetry running off it. For example, a 1200cc Nissan Micra with a 50Ah battery - the SE170 will suffice. However for larger vehicles with heavier electronics, especially those with tracker units fitted will require the SE500.
What is a charge controller?
This is a device that regulates the charge to the battery from your solar panel. When the battery is fully charged the controller disconnects the solar panel from the battery automatically.
Where should I link the charge controller?
It should be placed close to the battery - for two reasons. Firstly - for safety. Batteries are capable of putting out a very high current that could cause fires. By having the controller close to the battery you can reduce the chances of the positive and negative wires being shorted together if they are accidentally cut. Secondly is for accuracy. The current going through the wires causes a voltage drop which is sensed by the controller. This will cause slight inaccuracies in detecting the correct battery voltage. The drop in the wires increases with distance and thinness of the wire, so when you increase the distance you must also use a larger gauge.
Will the charge controller work with dead batteries?
It will work with batteries discharged as low as 7 volts.