Question on solar controller hook up?
I finished up most of my solar install today and I noticed an issue when hooking up the solar controller to the batteries. I'm using an A/B Both switch to control what bank or banks I want to run....
Forum Discussion
Hi,
The output of the solar controller should be in the 13.2 to 13.8 volt range. However if it is a PWM controller, it might be as high as 21 volts when not connected to the battery.
Once you connect the solar controller to the output of the battery, then the controller output will be slightly higher than the battery voltage before making the connection, or if over 13.8 volts (or the shut off voltage for your controller) it might not read any different than the battery voltage.
As for the spark, if the polarity was wrong, you probably tripped a fuse, or everything is OK if the polarity is right. A tiny spark is acceptable.
Good luck!
Fred.
The output of the solar controller should be in the 13.2 to 13.8 volt range. However if it is a PWM controller, it might be as high as 21 volts when not connected to the battery.
Once you connect the solar controller to the output of the battery, then the controller output will be slightly higher than the battery voltage before making the connection, or if over 13.8 volts (or the shut off voltage for your controller) it might not read any different than the battery voltage.
As for the spark, if the polarity was wrong, you probably tripped a fuse, or everything is OK if the polarity is right. A tiny spark is acceptable.
Good luck!
Fred.
