Solar panel PWM output voltage

[Danos]

Hi

Just opened a new 160W panel from 4wd Supacentre and it is outputting 16V from the regulated output to the battery. I was under the impression is should only output 12-14V. I have it connected to the battery to check that it goes into float mode when the battery reaches close to 14V.

Is there a problem with the PWM or is this a normal output voltage?

Danos

[Quinny]

At a guess, I would say that's not quite right ... I bypass the regulator on my setup & go directly in to a ctek d250. That's the sorts of voltages I get at the ctek... I will now pass you over to the forum, where someone who knows what they are talking about, may enlighten you further ...

[BillMcQuade]

Connect it to a load and then measure the output voltage.

The no load voltage is usually higher.

[RHKTriton]

The no load voltage of the panel has to be higher than the battery float level if you want current to flow and charge it.

[Danos]

Ok thanks. The guy on the phone said it will regulate when connected to the battery. I’ll test it out.

[RHKTriton]

You should probably connect the solar regulator to the battery first and then the panel to the regulator.

[Danos]

Yeh tried that. I fully charged the battery and can see it was regulating voltage at 14.4V.