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Old 18-04-2012, 01:07 AM
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MrB (Simon)
Old Man Yells at Cloud

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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Rockingham WA
Posts: 3,435
No, unfortunately they are a bit trickier than that. Manufacturers cheat a bit and quote the maximum power point output, which occurs at approx 16 to 18volts loaded. Max current is usually around 4.5 to 5amps for an 80w.
I average about 9 amps in peak sun.
There are however tricky buck/boost switchmode solar regulators called MPPT's or Maximum Power Point Trackers. These constantly test for the panel's best output power (by varying the load) and maintain it at that point. The excess voltage(above battery voltage) is 'converted' into extra current, minus some losses. Then you will get your ~6 amps output into a 14v battery in peak sun.
They will also output some current in the early morning and late afternoon when the panel voltage is LESS than the battery voltage, other regulators would not charge at all.

Last edited by MrB; 18-04-2012 at 01:19 AM.
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