I have 3 USED and broken 36V panels in parallel that still output 2-5A total power that I got free. Most of my internal systems run on 12V. I am trying to come up with a reasonable cost charging solution and use.
Since I have the 36V at what we will assume is 3A. I have not purchased anything YET and am looking at my options.
Most things I use can use 12V easily. But 36V is tough, I can buffer the 36V into a regular 12V battery if I run it and pay attention to it, but I would like a more efficient better use solution.
I was thinking of getting a 36V charge controller.
I was thinking of getting 3x 12V batteries for 36V, 12AH.
I was thinking of getting a 36V to 12V DC-DC converter.
For a small system though, is this the best solution? Is there a charge controller for 36V with the DC step down to 12V one unit cheap that can do it in one step?
Cost for the reasonable solution? I was hoping it should cost less then $200, without the batteries. But cheaper is better since these panels were near free to start with.
I would love to hear all thoughts and reasonable suggestions?
