Re: [Repeater-Builder] Solar Panel Question

[Bernard Gnat]

You do not have to shunt solar panels, I believe. If they are producing power and are not connected to a load, so what, it does not hurt them. The controller just disconnects them.  Bernie-----Original Message----- From: Kevin Custer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>Sent: Nov 12, 2005 7:28 AM To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [Repeater-Builder] Solar Panel Question Some general comments to all, and a question for Eric....Eric Lemmon wrote: 
It's generally not a good idea to run dissimilar solar panels in
parallel.Unless you are pointing the dissimilar panels in different directions....
  However, you can do it safely if you combine their outputs
using Schottky diodes.  A Schottky diode has an extremely low forward
voltage drop, usually around 0.3 volts- less than half that of a typical
silicon diode.
  *Most* modern panels include a Schottky Diode now, but that doesn't mean all panels do.  Check with your manufacturer to see for sure, as you won't need to add another diode (and endure its loss) if it already has one.
Remember that one of the tasks performed by a good solar controller is to shunt all of the excess power produced by the panels, once the batteries are fully charged.Can you elaborate on this, Eric?Kevin


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