I need help on an Electrical Circuit Design ( 12V DC )?

Question

I have a Whole House Generator and I just installed a Solar Battery Charger. What I am trying to design is to be able to read the Voltage from the Solar Panel and from the Battery. I want to be able to read each source ( Solar Panel & Battery ) separately using only one panel mounted DC Voltmeter and one switch if possible. I want the meter to be off until you flip the switch. The Solar Panel will alway be charging the Battery until you read the volts on the meter.

I hope someone can help.

Thank You,
Ned

Answer 1

For starters, you need a double pole, 3 position switch.

In Position "1" - pole 1 connects the solar cell to the battery. Probably with a diode or whatever, for night time when the battery voltage exceeds solar cell voltage. Pole 2 is not connected.

In Position "2" - pole 1 disconnects the solar cell. Pole 2 connects the cell to the meter.

In Position "3" - pole 1 disconnects the solar cell. Pole 2 connects the Battery to the meter.

Hope that helps ...

Answer 2

Doesn't seem hard. Just hook up the voltmeter ground to ground. the other end to the switch, then just hook up the outputs of the switch to the solar panel and the battery Vdd.