Solar float mode: Necessary?
As a practical matter, is float mode necessary with solar charging? As an alternative, the controller would simply stop charging when the battery was full. The next day the process would repeat. ...
Forum Discussion
Snowman, Float can be disabled in higher-end controllers. I think my Rouge MPPT has such an option, don't remember since this wouldn't be a good idea EXCEPT when you have Li battery. Li batts need no floating when full.
All other batteries do need float mode, and not only in storage. Float helps saving battery cycling in afternoon when battery is full and solar can run the loads "directly", with almost all the current going to loads and only a fraction of current - to counter self-discharge. As mentioned by others, a good controller will automatically switch back to Bulk (or MPPT, whatever) if the loads draw more than controller provides in Float mode.
Charging it fully in Bulk and Absorb mode without Float would mean unnecessary heating/boiling - it's better to let it finish the last 5-10% in Float.
All other batteries do need float mode, and not only in storage. Float helps saving battery cycling in afternoon when battery is full and solar can run the loads "directly", with almost all the current going to loads and only a fraction of current - to counter self-discharge. As mentioned by others, a good controller will automatically switch back to Bulk (or MPPT, whatever) if the loads draw more than controller provides in Float mode.
Charging it fully in Bulk and Absorb mode without Float would mean unnecessary heating/boiling - it's better to let it finish the last 5-10% in Float.
