solar panel question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ME
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2025, 09:37:24 pm
content: I am thinking of getting a solar panel with the following specs: open circuit voltage 37.1v ,short circuit current 8.13 amp ,how can i power a 12 or 24v inverter using this for 220v ac?.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2025, 10:04:28 pm
content: That is the wrong question. What you want is a small off-grid solar inverter. Probably with a small battery.

author: gf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2025, 10:20:58 pm
content: Or if you already have a 12V or 24V battery and a battery inverter, you need a solar charge controller.

author: ME
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2025, 10:44:28 pm
content: will that step the 37.1v down to charge a 12v lead acid battery then?.

author: ahbushnell
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2025, 12:36:16 pm
content: A solar charger would assuming its set up for 12 V

author: Seekonk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2025, 02:10:12 pm
content: A 48 to 12V converter would work if you don't push too much power.

author: tunk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2025, 03:10:21 pm
content: Are you sure that the panel doesn't have a wattage/power and battery voltage specification?

author: gf
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2025, 03:33:23 pm
content: Quote from: ME on April 21, 2025, 10:44:28 pmIt depends on which kind of battery the particular charger model is intended for. With some models, you can adjust several charging parameters individually. Others may only support a fixed battery voltage and battery technology. You really need to check the specs of the model you want to buy. Most chargers can only step down. Only few ones can step up.

author: MF-jockey
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2025, 11:29:43 pm
content: My system is set up like this: an MPPT charge controller (Victron SmartSolar) charges the battery, and its charging parameters can be optimally adjusted to the battery. The sine wave inverter is powered by the battery. The Victron charge controller can control the activation of the inverter via its load output and is programmable via Bluetooth.With a 12V battery, the aforementioned solar module with the Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 could not always be fully utilized; in extreme cases, in full sunlight and cold temperatures, it would limit the charging current to 15 A. The SmartSolar MPPT 100/20 would ensure full utilization of the solar energy.

author: MF-jockey
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 08:47:37 am
content: I use two 12V LiFePO4 batteries, >=100 Ah.The grid inverter is a GTN-500W-12V with adjustable power.https://www.ebay.de/itm/405579514352

author: MF-jockey
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 26, 2025, 07:56:19 pm
content: Safety issue!I received an email from Aliexpress about the recall of the Y&H inverter due to an ungrounded case (please see the attached Notification_SR_01715_25_en.pdf). However, a return was no longer possible; that's only possible within the first 14 days.I've now grounded the case myself. Since I've already opened the device, I also turned down the fan-noise.