Any methods to connect 20W solar panel?

[JesseConant]

Hi all,
I am planning to connect a 20W solar panel on my services bank (via a regulator). I have made a little diagram that hopefully will make things easier.
As you can see, I have two separate banks, using a common negative. In the services bank I have a NASA BM1 battery monitor connected. So, to connect now the solar panel, I am correct that the negative goes to the right side of the shunt (as per diagram)?
Also do I need to connect the positive to battery 2 or to either positive of the two domestic batteries? Do I need a fuse for the positive connection and if yes how much amp? What size (diameter) or type of cables do you recommend (the panel does not include anything)? As long as the diameter is fine, does it matter how long the cable to the solar panel is?
Thanks
Jesse
http://www.solarmodulesystem.com/userfiles/image/largepic/20120206170902_7527500.jpg

 

[OmCheeto]

Hi all,
I am planning to connect a 20W solar panel on my services bank (via a regulator). I have made a little diagram that hopefully will make things easier.
As you can see, I have two separate banks, using a common negative. In the services bank I have a NASA BM1 battery monitor connected. So, to connect now the solar panel, I am correct that the negative goes to the right side of the shunt (as per diagram)?
Also do I need to connect the positive to battery 2 or to either positive of the two domestic batteries? Do I need a fuse for the positive connection and if yes how much amp? What size (diameter) or type of cables do you recommend (the panel does not include anything)? As long as the diameter is fine, does it matter how long the cable to the solar panel is?
Thanks
Jesse
http://www.solarmodulesystem.com/userfiles/image/largepic/20120206170902_7527500.jpg

Hello JesseConant, and welcome to Physics Forums.

I'm sorry, but I can't answer any of your questions, because I cannot find your diagram.

 

[JesseConant]

Hello JesseConant, and welcome to Physics Forums.

I'm sorry, but I can't answer any of your questions, because I cannot find your diagram.

Hi OmCheeto,
Thanks for your kind concern on my problem anyway, I am just awaiting if other experienced people who might help me connect << Commercial link removed by Moderators >>?

 

[berkeman]

Hi OmCheeto,
Thanks for your kind concern on my problem anyway, I am just awaiting if other experienced people who might help me connect << Commercial link removed by Moderators >>?

Your commercial link looked like spam, so I removed it. Post/upload the diagram you mention, or this thread will be deleted.

 

[alphysicist]

I would recommend the following steps to connect a 20W solar panel to a services bank:

1. Determine the voltage and current output of the solar panel. This information should be provided by the manufacturer or can be measured using a multimeter.

2. Calculate the size of the fuse needed for the positive connection based on the current output of the solar panel. It is important to use a fuse to protect the panel and the battery from any potential electrical hazards.

3. Choose the appropriate size and type of cables based on the current output of the solar panel. The cables should be able to handle the current without overheating.

4. Connect the negative terminal of the solar panel to the right side of the shunt, as shown in the diagram. This will allow the battery monitor to accurately measure the current coming from the solar panel.

5. Connect the positive terminal of the solar panel to either positive terminal of the domestic batteries, or to battery 2 if it is a separate bank. This will allow the solar panel to charge the batteries.

6. Make sure all connections are secure and tight to prevent any loose connections that may cause electrical issues.

7. It is important to keep the cable length between the solar panel and the battery bank as short as possible to minimize energy loss. However, as long as the cable diameter is sufficient to handle the current, the length should not affect the performance of the solar panel.

8. Test the system to ensure that the solar panel is charging the batteries properly and the battery monitor is accurately measuring the current.

I would also recommend consulting with a professional or referencing the manufacturer's guidelines for additional guidance and safety precautions.