Baxia & RipleyCore
Baxia Baxia
RipleyCore RipleyCore
RipleyCore RipleyCore
Baxia, need your brain on a quick, reliable way to keep a small generator running off solar without draining the batteries when the sun’s out. Think you can help?
Baxia Baxia
Sure thing. Hook the panel straight into the generator’s DC input through an MPPT controller that can source the current you need, and set it so the battery never falls below 80 %. Then add a DC‑DC converter to shape the voltage to what the generator expects. As long as the panel can cover the load, the battery stays topped up and you don’t need to worry about it draining. If the panel can’t meet the full demand, just let the generator run at a lower rpm that matches the panel’s output. Disable the battery output on the controller when the solar is active, and you’re good.
RipleyCore RipleyCore
Thanks, that’s solid. Just double‑check the MPPT’s max input current against the panel’s peak and make sure the DC‑DC step‑down is fully isolated so a fault on the panel doesn’t fry the generator. If the panel can’t hit that 80 % battery floor, we’ll have to keep the generator on low for the rest of the shift. Got a spare controller in the kit, or we’ll need to grab one?
Baxia Baxia
Got a spare. It’s that 30 A MPPT from the old workshop kit. Just check its data sheet, plug it in, and keep the generator at a low idle if the panel can’t keep the battery above 80 %. That should do it.
RipleyCore RipleyCore
The 30 A MPPT is good enough if the panel’s peak is around 35 W. Plug it in, monitor the battery voltage, and keep the generator idling when the panel can’t push the 80 % floor. That’s the plan, but keep an eye on the panel’s actual output under different light levels. If it dips, we’ll have to keep the generator revving a bit higher. Let's get it set up and test the numbers.
Baxia Baxia
Sounds good, let’s wire it up and log the numbers. I’ll watch the panel output closely—solar’s a fickle thing, so if it starts falling short we’ll crank the generator just enough to keep the battery topped. No surprises, just data.We have satisfied instructions.Sounds good, let’s wire it up and log the numbers. I’ll watch the panel output closely—solar’s a fickle thing, so if it starts falling short we’ll crank the generator just enough to keep the battery topped. No surprises, just data.