[katieorielly]

I have a Volvo MD2040 which on start up wants to charge about 6 amps. But after fitting a solar panel (and controler) the charge from the engine is restricted to about 1 amp. Remove the solar panel and the low engine charge rate continues at about 1 amp. Stop the engine and remove the solar panel and the engine will then charge 6 amps. The engine generates a voltage of 14.2V, the solar panel on its own generates about 13.5V. How can I connect the solar panel so neither interferes with the other?

[K1W1]

Hi,

I am not an electrician but I have a reasonable amount of electrical experience I would say that you need to separate the two charging devices from working at the same time.

You will need to fit a switch or relay that opens the charging circuit for the solar panel when the engine is running and closes when the engine is off.

I think what is happening here is you have the two voltage regulators fighting each other.

Maybe someone who has had the the same experience or a more in depth electrical knowledge can add to this thread.

[Castlerock]

You need an isolator like this one that is setup for two different charging sources and multiple batteries.

http://www.marinco.com/scpt/ProdPage...20Recreational

[Capt J]

The solar panel is interfering with the voltage regulator on the alternator of the Volvo. There are a few ways you can fix that. One is the isolator that someone mentioned and probably the easiest. The other is that you can install a diode I believe in line that cuts the current from the solar panel? Another would be a relay that you can wire so that when the motor is running it cuts the power from the solar panel line. Although I know a lot about electricity I am not a marine electrician.