Click on the links above.
The simplest setup: a diode is included in the circuit to prevent discharge of electricity through the panel during the night, which would result in a flat battery. This setup doesn't protect the battery from overcharging, so we don't recommend it. It is better to use a proper solar regulator rather than a diode.
Wiring a regulator between the battery and the panel prevents overcharging of the battery bank. It's very simple: just connect the two leads from the solar panel to the 'solar' terminals on the regulator, and the two leads from the battery to the regulator 'battery' terminals.
Often, boats and motorhomes have a dedicated engine starting battery. By fitting a diode between the starting battery and the domestic batteries, you can charge both sets of batteries with just one solar panel. The diode will prevent the starting battery from discharging when the domestic batteries are in use however, so it will remain full and available for engine starting.
It is easy to add solar panels to a system that already has a 'split-charge diode' to allow isolated charging of two banks of batteries from an alternator - as is the case with most boat installations for example. Simply wire the postive output from the solar controller to the input of the split charge diode, and the negative output from the solar controller direct to the battery as normal.
Some of our regulators are available with a low voltage disconnect feature. This cuts the power to anything connected to the low voltage disconnect terminals when the battery voltage drops below a certain level, to prevent battery damage due to deep discharge. You might like to keep some essential equipment connected directly to the battery however, as in this diagram.