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How do I charge two 12V batteries using two solar panels that are 15V each and 5 AMP each?
Senior Project – We’re trying to build a solar powered go kart. We have two 40Watt panels that are 15V each, and 5 Amps each. We are going to use two 12V batteries to run the motor. We want to charge these batteries using the panels, however we don’t know what type of charger we need. Where can we find a charger that is DC in and out? Any info will help 
Thanks in advance!
Is it better to get an altenator?
yes, it’s called a charge controller.
A 15 volt panel is marginal to charge a 12 volt battery, you need something more like 20 volts.
A 12 volt battery needs 15 volts with some current to be charged.
A 15 volt panel will only put that out with full sunlight, and not with any substantial current.
Best is a charge controller (see second reference) that includes a DC-DC converter to adjust the voltage to the optimal value to charge the battery. With this it will be better to put the panels in series and the batteries in parallel so you can charge them both at the same time with one charge controller.
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