Hello folks,

I have a mobile solar powered system that I use for lighting. The system runs great but I really feel I could get some more run time out it. My charge controller has a low voltage disconnect that triggers at 11.1v and once that is triggered the system will not turn back on until 12.5v. Once the system is turned off the open circuit battery voltage jumps back up to 11.8v. I'm getting a hugh voltage drop from these LEDs! This is, I assume, is normal but is there a way to reduce a voltage drop like this? I feel like if I can reduce this horrid voltage drop my system would run longer because LVD isn't tripped until 11.1v.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Bigger battery. A deep-cycle type instead of a starting battery might help as well. The latter is designed for massive current very briefly, not a steady draw like lighting.

 

Manipulate the circuit.

Without knowing the battery, and what kind of lights, nothing can be said really. Deep discharging is never good for batteries.

 

Sounds like a normal operation. Trying to squeeze a little more run time from a discharged battery is not good for battery life. Match battery to load and run time, then match SP capacity to battery.