Adding PC fans to solar circuit

[john61ct]

12V nominal usually implies a wide acceptance range. Just FYI.

Another reason to run off SC output not panels

I reckon a load device in the circuit likely messes with the controller's efficiency

especially MPPT.

[Cadence]

It sounds like a bad idea. Your unregulated voltage during a day will be from nil to well over 12V. The fans won't like it. Possibly your controller won't? It's watts in and watts out. Run the fans on the battery side. What inspired you to consider this?

[StuM]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Run them off the load output terminals, or batt charge output, not directly off the panels.

If he actually has a GV-10, there are no load output terminals.

[frankv1205]

I have been running 2 pc fans direct off a 15v solar panel for 2 years I installed them in my dorade box over the head and it keeps the air moving in the boat on those hot days the boat is shut I installed one upside down as exhaust and the other right side up as an intake Real simple and it works. They run all summer as long as I get sun on the panel

[mtompson]

Thanks everyone, great help as always, I think I'll go battery side to be safe. As mentioned with such low power I don't need to worry about my batteries.
Thanks again

[topo]

Hi, It´s very easy : You must hook the ventilator to the batery, ( a fuse related to the size of the wire must be installed as well) .
You can also install a switch ( or just a plug for cigarettes lighter) .

Why is that ? Becouse the battery MAKES SURE you are with 12 v ( or a bit more when the panels are charging ) but NEVER 17 volts !!!! becouse you have a REGULATOR (12 batteries must be charged between 13 and 14,4 volts ) .

Also please use A VOLT METER , (to make sure you are always ABOVE , or very close to 12 V) , attached to the BATTERY , that´s the best way to check a load is not TOO HEAVY.

Hope i´ve been at least of some help .
TOPO

[sparrowhawk1]

If your load circuit is unadjustable, most likely it will come on at dusk and off at dawn which is the opposite of what you want. You don't mention what other loads you have...a computer fan uses so little electricity I would think you could use it whenever you want. I have a computer fan going 24/7 with an air filter behind it and it is amazing how much dust it takes out of the air with very little draw.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by mtompson

Thanks everyone, great help as always, I think I'll go battery side to be safe. As mentioned with such low power I don't need to worry about my batteries.
Thanks again

You're taking power away from your batteries anyway.

Best to run the fans off the batteries. If they get low, turn off the fans.

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by frankv1205

I have been running 2 pc fans direct off a 15v solar panel for 2 years I installed them in my dorade box over the head and it keeps the air moving in the boat on those hot days the boat is shut I installed one upside down as exhaust and the other right side up as an intake Real simple and it works. They run all summer as long as I get sun on the panel

Solar fans work well for this also.