Wayne Ramsay
New Member
I want to build a solar powered Rc pusher tug. Most panels I've found are 12v, my drive system is 6v. How can I convert a 12v panel to operate a 6v system.
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Running a SMP from a solar panel requires that it have MPPT capability. Otherwise when the SMP wants more current than the panel can supply the voltage drops , which makes the SMP draw more current , which sends the panel voltage toward zero or until the SMP quits working. If you put a 12V battery across the panel then this won't happen. A 12V 1Ah battery is the same size as a 6V 2Ah one.
This is why I like shunt regulators for battery charging. While the battery is still accepting charge from the panel, the regulator is totally out of the way, so all of the panel output is utilized by the battery. If the open-circuit voltage of the panel is a few volts above the battery terminal voltage, then the panel is naturally operated near its Max Power Point. The shunt regulator only has to do something (waste power) after the battery has reached full charge. The shunt regulator keeps the panel "loaded", reducing its temperature compared to what would happen with a series regulator, be it switch-mode or linear.[/QUOTE
What if I use 2 6V 4.5ah slas and use a y cable to charge both, with the batterys in paralel