Solar controller output question

Keeping it simple, panels and batteries are connected to my $8 controller 100% of the time, no switches anywhere,.....sure works perfectly.

I have thought about switching the panel line, but can't figure out why.

Op back, like you said Mr Wizard I'm over thinking this, this is a big project for me not just financially but for my brain cells as well.

On second thought I guess the controller is just doing its thing. And responding to the way I have the circuits and batteries connected.

Thanks

Ron W.

rjsurfer wrote:
I'm guessing I'm using the wrong terminolgy, I have nothing connected to the "load" output connection.

I just have the panel input and battery out connected.

Ron W.

the controller is putting out power because there is a load
even though you disconnected the batteries, there is a resistance circuit across the charge out put of the controller
the wiring of the RV, the converter the DC circuits

why do you think this is a problem
you have power to the HOUSE from the solar panels

if you do not want this, move the connections to the battery side of the perko where they belong, then your batteries will always be charging and maintained even with the perko off

if you want NO solar charge, cover the panels
panels are not supposed to be under no load, full voltage
they are supposed to be connected to something

NinerBikes wrote:

red31 wrote:
Since I always connect the battery before connecting the panel, I never have this 'issue'.

Probably because you read the instructions that came with your solar panel charge controller. Which is always a good idea.

RJ, hook up your charge controller just like you would a battery charger. Connect to the battery first, then plug the charger in... instead of to 120V wall, to the source of power, the solar panel. It doesn't get any easier than that. Always hook up the battery first before applying power to the charger device.

X2

Some controllers can be fried if solar panels are hooked up without batteries hooked up. I proved that at work once...

red31 wrote:
Since I always connect the battery before connecting the panel, I never have this 'issue'.

Probably because you read the instructions that came with your solar panel charge controller. Which is always a good idea.

RJ, hook up your charge controller just like you would a battery charger. Connect to the battery first, then plug the charger in... instead of to 120V wall, to the source of power, the solar panel. It doesn't get any easier than that. Always hook up the battery first before applying power to the charger device.

rjsurfer wrote:
Its funny I have a switch for the panels output just haven't installed it yet...

So, your suggesting read the raw voltage and current from the arrays output?

Ron W.

I find it useful to know the panel's Isc of the moment when noting amps to the battery. If the Isc is at or above rating that says the panel is getting full insolation so I should be getting full amps.

With PWM you should be getting the same amps to the battery as whatever the Isc of the moment is.

With MPPT if the Voc is below rating by a few volts (34 instead of 37 eg) but the Isc is above rating that says the panel is hot ( as is normal) and it will mean less than full amps, but that nothing is wrong. It is just the MPPT suffering from panel temperature lowering the voltage.

I always want to know if I am getting as many amps as I should be, so I measure things quite often--not that I am paranoid or anything.

Since I always connect the battery before connecting the panel, I never have this 'issue'.

I'm guessing I'm using the wrong terminolgy, I have nothing connected to the "load" output connection.

I just have the panel input and battery out connected.

Ron W.

Why do you have anything on the battery out
The battery out is a load connection , something to run at night from the batteries, when the solar is not charging

That connection is used to run night lights etc..And the controller can shut it off if the batteries get too low

A connection not needed in RV installs
Because everything is already connected to the batteries
And the controller is there to ONLY charge the batteries not control loads

Its funny I have a switch for the panels output just haven't installed it yet...

So, your suggesting read the raw voltage and current from the arrays output?

Ron W.