solar batteries

[dock goody]

I am in the process of adding a 50 Watt solar panel; I already have a 75 watt installed. My questions are as follows:1. How do I (or should I) tie my two batteries to the new system. At this point only one is directly charged by the existing solar panel.2. Do I need something after(or before) the blocking diodes to charge the batteries in 3 phases as the current dogma recommends?

 

[Reudi Ross]

use a combiner

to tie your 2 batteries together for charging. To add the second panel just tie it in parallel with your existing panel and use a charge controller to prevent overcharging. The controller also eliminates the need for blocking diodes.

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.c]

Controller

I would get a charge contoller for two batteries and review their installation instructions.Trevor