If you want to charge to separate batteries, you need two charge controllers for your one solar panel system. Connect the charge controllers to the separate batteries you want to charge and that’s it. The time required to get the batteries to full charge depends on a few aspects.
With most solar charge controllers, you can only charge one battery. So, you need to know how to charge multiple batteries with one solar panel. Some charge controllers now have an added option of having two battery banks. You charge the two banks separately using the same solar panels and the same controller.
Therefore, you can charge two batteries with one solar panel. However, having more panels with higher capacity will take less time to recharge the batteries. So, if you want the batteries to recharge faster, invest in a larger solar panel or combine several smaller ones.
You can easily charge two batteries with one panel, but the size of the solar panel will determine the charging time. A solar panel, smaller in size will take longer to recharge the batteries compared to a larger one. For instance, let’s assume you are given two units of 100Ah 12V batteries and a 100-watt solar panel.
To determine the suitable charge controller for your setup, find the total wattage of the solar panels divided by the battery voltage, then add 25%. Therefore, you can charge two batteries with one solar panel. However, having more panels with higher capacity will take less time to recharge the batteries.
When solar charging two battery banks, the following terms are crucial to understanding: Solar charge controller: Prevents your battery or batteries from being overcharged by the solar panel. Dual Battery Bank: Having two separate batteries or sets of batteries that are capable of carrying out various tasks.