• Tech Talk & Tips

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    Balancers

    Balancers

    When putting batteries in series for a 24V or 48V system it is a good idea to use a balancer. This balancer ensures that the voltages of all the batteries in the pack remain equal and balanced.

  • BlueSolar vs SmartSolar

    BlueSolar vs SmartSolar

    When buying Victron MPPT solar controllers you have two product lines to choose from, the BlueSolar range and the SmartSolar range. The key difference between the two is that the BlueSolar range does NOT have Bluetooth.

  • Rail Profiles

    Rail Profiles

    We help a lot of customers with solar rail and solar panel mounting hardware. Sometimes people need to match rail or mounts with their existing system.


All Tech Talks & Tips

  • Why you need a SmartShunt on your lithium battery

    Why you need a SmartShunt on your lithium battery

    A SmartShunt is almost essential on a lithium battery system if you want accurate data on the state of charge of your batteries.

  • Fuses: Safeguarding your System Wiring

    Fuses: Safeguarding your System Wiring

    A well sized fuse is your wires’s first line of defense. When calculating the fuse for your system, remember: The fuse’s primary role is to safeguard the wire’s integrity.

  • VSR’s & Smart Alternators

    VSR’s & Smart Alternators

    Smart alternators (prevalent in most vehicles made after 2006) provide efficient, variable voltage output, reducing emissions and enhancing battery charging. However, this voltage fluctuation doesn’t work well with traditional charging technology like VSR’s (Voltage Sensitive Relay’s).

  • What’s the difference between solar panel types?

    What’s the difference between solar panel types?

    With a wide variety of solar panels available, understanding their differences and benefits will help you find the most suitable panel to meet your needs. The following four panel types are the most common varieties we stock at Alt-Tech.

  • Why are Solar Panels Overstacked?

    Why are Solar Panels Overstacked?

    Over sizing your solar panel array in conjunction with the right solar controller is a strategic move that promises several advantages, especially to deal with harsh winters, frequent cloudy days, or panels that might face dust and age-related efficiency loss.

  • Confused about Cable Sizing?

    Confused about Cable Sizing?

    Confused about cable sizing? Wondering how AWG converts to metric measurement?

  • Standard Lugs VS Narrow Palm Lugs

    Standard Lugs VS Narrow Palm Lugs

    Standard copper lugs are traditional connectors used in electrical and wiring applications; they typically feature a wider palm or contact surface for connecting cables and conductors. Perfect for most applications and high-current applications as they offer more contact surface.

  • Which Charge Controller Should You Choose?

    Which Charge Controller Should You Choose?

    Which solar charge controller should you choose? The choice between PWM and MPPT solar charge controllers largely depends on the specific requirements of your solar power system.

  • Isolated VS Non-Isolated DC-DC Chargers

    Isolated VS Non-Isolated DC-DC Chargers

    For this weeks Tech Tip we’re comparing isolated and non-isolated chargers, which one meets your needs?

  • Disconnecting Components

    Disconnecting Components

    Disconnecting the battery, or any device under load, can cause voltage spikes and fluctuations which may damage the inverter, charge controller, and other sensitive electronics connected to the system, leading to costly repairs, replacements and voided warranty.

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