Linking Solar Panels

[JulianGullsway]

I have x 2 80 watt photovoltaic Solar panels I wish to mount on my coach roof, can I run these parallel to save on having to make a mess on the saloon roof with two lots of cables..

Thanks in advance

[Bash]

Yes. Permission granted.

[JulianGullsway]

Thank you Bash Sir!

[S/V_Surya]

You are going to add a controller to the mix yes? On the controller you would combine the the panels in parallel. I myself purchased 2- 100 watt panels and a 30 amp controller. Since I have 4 banks 2 house and 2 starting batteries I am think of adding 4 switches on the output of the controller so I can select which bank to charge.

[JulianGullsway]

What sort of controller would you recommend, we too have the same set up x 2 for engine/windlass and x 2 for leisure we do already run a wind generator which charges all 4 batteries hadn't thought about split charging what would be the benefits?

Thanks

[S/V_Surya]

Against my better judgment I purchased a 30 amp controller off of ebay called solar30 for about 25 bucks. I wanted this because I can read the battery voltage and many other parameters. I want to be able to charge each bank as needed. The switches will allow me to charge one or more banks as required. I do not think charging all at the same time is a good idea cause one bad battery can bring them all down.

[JulianGullsway]

Cheers Surya, yes I have a controller/ Regulator for the solar panels which will enable me to read voltage input etc if that's what you mean I cant see how if one of my batteries went down it could bring the rest down, please enlighten me, electronics has never been y string point :-)

[S/V_Surya]

Anytime you put two batteries in parallel, it is best to use two batteries of the same size and age. If one battery is weak, it will attempt to charge itself from the strong battery, and you lose power from the strong battery.
If one battery developes a shorted cell, it will drag the good one down with it.