I'm about ready to install a smaller 200W solar system and have a question that I am finding multiple responses to. Do you run both your Solar circuit and Shore power at the same time?Now, keep in mind I will be adding a + side 30A DC Disconnect Switch between the Charge Controller and battery bank. I already own the 30A DC Disconnect Switch and want it on there in the event I need to disconnect the Solar circuit from the battery bank. There will also be a 30A inline fuse between the Charge Controller and DC Disconnect Switch. That being I will have the ability to shut off the Solar circuit when connected to Shore power. But is that needed? Same would go for if I needed to run a generator for the AC.Here is one source stating that it is no problems to run both at the same time: amsolar.com - Charge Controllers. Info is about 1/4 of the way down the page. But I've also read where you want to run those circuits isolated from each other.Charge Controller is a Renogy branded 30A PWM. I've also recently replaced the TT battery charger with a Go Power! GPC-75-MAX 75 Amp 4-Stage Converter/Battery Charger.Thanks.

It's like connecting 2 battery chargers to a battery bank. I've run both, but when I'm hooked up and the sun's out, I just flip off the charge on my Xantrex. I would think that if the panel is providing enough amps to keep the voltage above the converter's start charging setpoint, then they aren't really both running at he same time anyway.

Now, keep in mind, ya don't disconnect the battery/controller unless the panel(s) are disconnected first. Leave it connected 24/7/365. disconnect any load downstream and leave the controller connected.

Thanks both!red31 wrote:Now, keep in mind, ya don't disconnect the battery/controller unless the panel(s) are disconnected first. Leave it connected 24/7/365. disconnect any load downstream and leave the controller connected.I'm a little confused as to where you are suggesting disconnecting. Can you provide a bit more detail?Here is what my initial plans were. Solar Panel --> Charge Controller --> 30A Inline Fuse --> 30A DC + Disconnect --> Battery BankAre you saying to not use my current plan for a DC disconnect without a way to disconnect between the Solar Panels and Charge Controller? Thanks for the help here.

Here is the rule, that keeps everything working without damageConnect controller to batteries firstThen connect solar panels to controllerNever disconnect controller from batteries, until you have disconnected the solar panels FirstAnytime there is work to be done, batteries changed, cables cleaned etc...Always disconnect solar panels FirstRemember the solar controller is a one way device, power from panels to batteriesIt does not work the other wayConnected panels without batteries can and will damage most controllersYou do not need a disconnect on the output side between controller batteriesYou do want one on the input side between panels and controllerIt's just another battery charger ,You can have converter (aka shore power charger) , solar, and even the engine running, and extension cord hooked to a portable battery chargerAll at the same time, with no harm to anything

Awesome and thank you! That helps clarify.

Run Solar Circuit and Shore Power at the same time?

36 Replies

pianotuna
Nomad III
Jul 31, 2017
Hi,

My solar charging system plays well with all of my other charging methods. There is no reason to disconnect.
RedRocket204
Explorer
Jul 31, 2017
Awesome and thank you! That helps clarify.
MrWizard
Moderator
Jul 31, 2017
Here is the rule, that keeps everything working without damage
Connect controller to batteries first
Then connect solar panels to controller
Never disconnect controller from batteries, until you have disconnected the solar panels First
Anytime there is work to be done, batteries changed, cables cleaned etc...
Always disconnect solar panels First

Remember the solar controller is a one way device, power from panels to batteries
It does not work the other way
Connected panels without batteries can and will damage most controllers
You do not need a disconnect on the output side between controller batteries
You do want one on the input side between panels and controller

It's just another battery charger ,
You can have converter (aka shore power charger) , solar, and even the engine running, and extension cord hooked to a portable battery charger
All at the same time, with no harm to anything
RedRocket204
Explorer
Jul 31, 2017
Thanks both!

red31 wrote:
Now, keep in mind, ya don't disconnect the battery/controller unless the panel(s) are disconnected first. Leave it connected 24/7/365. disconnect any load downstream and leave the controller connected.

I'm a little confused as to where you are suggesting disconnecting. Can you provide a bit more detail?

Here is what my initial plans were. Solar Panel --> Charge Controller --> 30A Inline Fuse --> 30A DC + Disconnect --> Battery Bank

Are you saying to not use my current plan for a DC disconnect without a way to disconnect between the Solar Panels and Charge Controller?

Thanks for the help here.
red31
Explorer
Jul 31, 2017
Now, keep in mind, ya don't disconnect the battery/controller unless the panel(s) are disconnected first. Leave it connected 24/7/365. disconnect any load downstream and leave the controller connected.
jplante4
Explorer II
Jul 31, 2017
It's like connecting 2 battery chargers to a battery bank. I've run both, but when I'm hooked up and the sun's out, I just flip off the charge on my Xantrex. I would think that if the panel is providing enough amps to keep the voltage above the converter's start charging setpoint, then they aren't really both running at he same time anyway.

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Run Solar Circuit and Shore Power at the same time?

36 Replies

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