series or parallel batteries
 

just about to wire up my batteries but do i series or parallel them. both 125AH and going to be on a solar system, which is the best way.
1. series 24v 125AH
2. parallel 12v 250AH
solar panels 164 W
any ideas
cheers
dave

Depends which vehicle you have. If your system is 12 volt then parallel.

Got a truck- took all the old electrical system out as it was like spag. junction- way too complicated and old!
Have now bought 4x 125ah batteries, plan to use 2 as auxillary which will be charged by engine and 2 for our solar.
All our equipment is 12volt apart from our shurflo pump.
Now trying to work out how the hell to set it all together on a very tight budget!- Usual overlander predicament!! Ha ha
Cheers Dave:confused1:

Depending on the truck you could well have a 24 volt system
ie - alternator, glowplugs and lighting.

Having all your ancils running off a 12 volt system is probably best but you will have to work out how to charge it off 24 volts if that's the alternator you have.

I hate electrics BTW and still waiting for someone to explain why current doesn't flow out of the negative terminal:helpsmilie: and I can live in peace with my battery change over switch

hi yep 24v charger but only charges one set of batteries (2x 125AH) which we use for emergency if no sun and staying for a long time in one place,
other 2x 125ah will be charged with solar so seperate system and 12v and run lights fridge water filter and heater.
cheers
dave

I think I would go with 12 volt then - lots of cheap 12volt halogen and led stuff around for lighting, fridges, car stereos, leads for laptops etc. I would try to run as much as possible off 12 volts and avoid running through inverters - they are very inefficient.

If the vehicle (Truck) is 24volt keep it that way.(2x12V in series)
Keep it completely separate from the house battery system.
If the truck have a 24V Cig. lighter remove it. It will eliminate future mishaps.
Make the house electrical system 12Volt. (2X12V in paralell)
You mentioned solar panels 164 W.
Panels (plural as in 2 or more)
If it is 2 x 12Volt 80 Watt panels, connect them in paralell for the house battery via a good solar regulator
If it is a single 23.6 Volt 164 W panel then do not connect it to the 12 volt house battery.

hi thanks for the info the truck electric point in front is 12v so no problems there.
we have a 85w and 80w 12v solar panels so parallel them and a stecca controller and run everything in the back on 12v.
will leave the other batteries in back as 24v seires and have a dropper for use as emergency power, found it was good to have a spare power source for when staying on a beach bush camping and the sun disapears for a few days.
cheers
dave