New here so please help! I have two solar panels on the roof (120w & 150w) of my Toyota Coaster but only one battery. I have an Alco 12v battery in the boot and want to add another battery for more storage, questions: do I need another Alco battery or would any brand do? Do I need an AGM battery or another?
Have you got a solar voltage regulater between the panels and the batterys. If not you will cook the batterys.How many amp/hrs are the batterys?Normally its not recommended to link different type of batterys eg deep cycle and starting batterys, but can be done for short periods.Agm batterys seem to be the best sort of deep cycle batterys, but are expensive. I have 2- 120amp/hr lead acid deep cycle batterys in sereese, and with a 30 amp reg run the 55ltr waeco and the lights and tv, for about 3 days plus depending on the sun and load.Bill
I have two batteries to start the Coaster and one battery, so far, in the boot for the Eco fridge and light. Have only had the bus for three weeks and am still finding what I have and haven't got - presume I have a regulator!
The batteries for starting the bus are two 12v, I think - all a bit confusing as I don't know what a regulator looks like.
Have been talking to an auto electrician at the local battery place and he will fit a AGM next to my boot battery when I went to Jayco and they said 'any battery will do'! BUT Alco said it's best to add the same battery type (know it could be a sales pitch but I just don't KNOW).
I recall some time ago a question on this forum regarding the electrics in a converted bus and it was only well into the thread that the original poster informed that it had a 24 volt system.
Assuming we're talking 12 volt system, it is inadvisable to connect two batteries together (known as "parallel" connection) to increase the capacity unless they are identical batteries. This also assumes that both batteries are the same age so unless the existing battery is near new this would involve replacing the existing battery as well. If this is not done the life of both batteries will be reduced.
If intending to install an extra battery in this manner I would strongly advise you discuss this with your battery supplier to check if they have any special requirements as well as discussing any warranty issues.
The regulator (aka "controller") is a device that is connected between the solar panels and the battery. "Bill12" has pointed out the danger of not having one of these installed, however I think it likely you would have one in your system.
I will go to Jayco tomorrow and buy an Alco battery and take it to a battery place to have it installed, thank you all very much .. so much to learn and soo little time! Laurie
