wiring solar panels with MPPT control into Zig unit

[alca]

I need a bit of help with the wiring of my solar panels into my van build, the MPPT controller has 6 connections
+ & - from the panels, + & - to the battery, + & - to the load
I have fitted a Zig unit (CF10) (seems to be same as CF9 for reference) my question is where would I connect the controller on this unit so that it would all work together, it's mainly the load connections I am thinking about, I think the other (battery + & -) should just be connected to the battery, but when I tried to connect the load into the Zig at a + & - output (terminals 9 & 10 on Zig) the 10amp fuse for that output blew :sad:.
Any ideas or suggestions welcome.

 

[Deleted member 1540]

I would advise you not to use the 'load' connection.

This connection is provided in the absence of any other connections to manage a specific load such as a lamp or inverter. The supply to the load connection will be cut if the battery voltage becomes too low.

In my installation I have connected the MPPT output directly to my leisure battery, with a fuse, and the Zig unit that was already installed remains connected to the leisure battery, as does the split charge relay connection.

 

[Wooie1958]

I tried the same with my set up after contacting the manufacturer of my distribution unit CBE.

They said it would be OK to connect my solar controller to the +B2 and -B2 conenections on the DS-520EX unit.

I was never happy with it and it never seemed to take for ever to put charge back into my batteries.

I have since done the same as POI Admin and wired my solar system direct to the leisure batteries and everything is fine.

I thought it would cut down on the cabling and keep it neater using the cabling already installed, but it didn`t work for me :sad:

 

[Beemer]

My van electrical unit is not a Zig, but I connected the solar panel via the MPPT controller, fused, directly to my leisure batteries, and have discovered that the solar panel charges the vehicle battery as well.
How this works, I do not know, but I am not complaining. I have had this set up for over two years now with no detrimental effects.

 

[molly 2]

My van electrical unit is not a Zig, but I connected the solar panel via the MPPT controller, fused, directly to my leisure batteries, and have discovered that the solar panel charges the vehicle battery as well.
How this works, I do not know, but I am not complaining. I have had this set up for over two years now with no detrimental effects.

That's interesting my charger charges both battery's on hook up. I'll check the engine battery when the sun comes out.do you have an mppt that is designed to charge. Both battery's.

 

[jagmanx]

MPPT controller

Mine also charges both batteries.
Leisure first then Engine.
Contrary to my expectations...Great !

And this with the "Leccy System switched off"

I use the 3 pairs as follows
1 Input from Panel
2 (load) to cigarette lighter (USB etc)
3 to the Leisure battery

When I fit a further (leisure) battery indicator it will be direct from the battery.

 

[alca]

Sorted now and working

Thanks for your help, Admin & Wooie1958,
Have now left the "Load" connection free and just connected the battery.

Solar panels charging at 14.5 volts and 5amps in sunshine this afternoon, so all seems ok.

Alan

 

[Beemer]

That's interesting my charger charges both battery's on hook up. I'll check the engine battery when the sun comes out.do you have an mppt that is designed to charge. Both battery's.

My habitation charger/controller also charges both leisure and vehicle batteries on hook up. The MPPT from the 100w solar panel has 2 battery output connections, but I only use the one output to charge the two 115Ah leisure batteries connected in parallel. I can only assume that the habitation controller picks up the voltage from the solar panel via the leisure batteries and passes it on to the vehicle battery.

 

[campervanannie]

Hello you two not heard or seen in quite a while hope your both well can't wait to see your new van hope your hanging on to your old one as it's a beautiful old VW.

 

[alca]

Campervanannie

Hi Annie
Not had a lot of time to get out and about since doing this conversion has taken most of my time over the past few months but getting there slowly.
The VW will still be used for various meets & shows but looking forward to the 1st shakedown cruise in the Transit which hopefully will be the Hereford meet in May, so look forward to seeing you there.
Alan

 

[alca]

Campervanannie

Hi Annie
Not had a lot of time to get out and about since doing this conversion has taken most of my time over the past few months but getting there slowly.
The VW will still be used for various meets & shows but looking forward to the 1st shakedown cruise in the Transit which hopefully will be the Hereford meet in May, so look forward to seeing you there.
Alan