Solar Charging

kenacp

I have a question on solar charging. I have a 03 DS IQ cart ant my camp that has no electricty. We do have off grid solar, and I have a 48vtmppt controller ,600watts of panels that I can devote to charging my cart. I was going to connect the charge controller to my batteries with alligator clamps,but was wondering if I could get another plug like the one on my 120 vt charger, and use that? Or would I have problems going through carts existing wiring set up?
Thanks for your thoughts.

BGW

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Sergio

Both methods could give you trouble.

If You are going to charge the cart without using the OBC, the best method is to connect the negative to the controller B-.

You can add a quick connector to "Pack Positive - Controller B-" and another one on the output of Your MPPT controller:

https://www.amazon.com/Driver-Batter...32ZD0PJ16J4Y86

This will allow the OBC to see the charging current going into the battery.

While the existing receptacle on the cart will allow the current to flow through the OBC, the voltage at the battery will be less than at receptacle due to the OBC current control circuit.

theboss20

600w will only keep the batteries topped off...that is not enough power to truly charge the batteries unless you have a lot of time...

kenacp

Should be about 20amp/hrs a day, so about a week with good sunny days???

kenacp

Thanks Sergio. I may have to rethink this some. What about getting rid of the OBC?

Sergio

Are You still using the PowerDrive charger sometimes?

if so You need the OBC working for when You use that charger.

If You wire the charger receptacle directly to B-, go ahead and disconnect the sense wire so if someone accidentally plugs the PowerDrive charger it will not work.

When/If You move the cart and decide to charge with the regular charger, You can reconnect the wires and reset the OBC.

kenacp

Got it Sergio! Many thanks for your input. Going to order the quick disc. plug.
Thanks, Kenny

jjance

Kenacp, If I was in your situation here is what I'd do. With 600w panels the most you would get out of the panels is at best 400-500w. That would put your charge current at about 8-10 amps. Which translates to twice the charging time you have now. Another thing is you never realize how unreliable the sun is until you go solar. So I would buy a backup generator with at least 1500w continuous output to charge the cart and use the solar panels to light your cabin and provide entertainment and TV. You can get a generator for about $250. Just be sure its "pure sine wave" and a four cycle engine. Don't want to mess with mixing gas and oil. Hope this helps