Hi I think a question is in order. I'm installing a 80watt gopanelwith a 25amp reg. no where in the doc or what i found on the net is what i'm looking for. why is their no off/on switch when coming fromthe panel? I might be over thinking, but what if you wanted to change the battery or something else. I know it's only 80 watts and 26volts.am I over shooting here. I have gave way to 12 volt batteries and installed (2)6volt. changed all my lights to leds(looks great) For just wanting to dabble in boondocking. thanks for viewing.

Hi,What panel did you get? What make and model of controller?

Robert812 wrote:...what if you wanted to change the battery or something else.The manual for the controller will usually tell what order to attach the wiring. My controller has the terminals numbered 1-4 for installation. To change a panel or battery, simply reverse the order to disconnect and then make the change.HTH;John

Just be warned that some RV manufacturers will void your roof warranty for adding an after market solar system. It would be a worthy call to your RV MFG to see if you're voided or not voided.WoodGlue

Opps sorry. its from GoPower gp-pwm-30 said 30amp on the reg.got the panel on the roof and 10awg wire ran just not hooked up yet.Have a 20amp breaker inline with the battery plus line. Just don't know if I want this running without a shutoff somewhere.

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Solar panel Install | Good Sam Community

48 Replies

HiTech
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
Lol I suppose at maybe 1Ah per day savings!

Jim
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jun 16, 2013
Hi Jim,

I could add a pair of mechanical timers. Pay back would be way way way long. *grin*
HiTech
Explorer
Jun 15, 2013
pianotuna wrote:
Hi Jim,

The blue sky 3024di doesn't have a "sleep mode". I really should turn it off when I see 0.1 amps on the display. I guess having a medium size battery bank has left me complacent.

I'll have to decide whether it is better to leave the controller working or to power the DC of the inverter with its switch in the off position. The capacitors do charge when dc power is applied to them.

Is there some easy way to wire in a normally closed timer switch that turns off when you set it, but stays connected if you don't remember to?

Jim
KJINTF
Explorer
Jun 15, 2013
Yes the meter does draw some current - expecially when the backlight is on
Does anyone turn off the display on their Trimetric? 2025RV
I do when in it's summmer shelter to again help reduce parasitic loads
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jun 15, 2013
Hi Jim,

The blue sky 3024di doesn't have a "sleep mode". I really should turn it off when I see 0.1 amps on the display. I guess having a medium size battery bank has left me complacent.

I'll have to decide whether it is better to leave the controller working or to power the DC of the inverter with its switch in the off position. The capacitors do charge when dc power is applied to them.
Old___Slow
Explorer
Jun 15, 2013
Made great reading to go with my morning cup of joe.

These installs look so awe inspiring, makes me feel like 'little orphan
annie'

What a great bunch of 'Techs' here. Show and tell.

Waiting for wiring to install the 24v/120w panel on the e/scooter.
HiTech
Explorer
Jun 15, 2013
pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

I leave my switches on so I can take advantage of early morning charging I suppose I should not

A timer or photocell could activate and deactivate it. Some draw more in sleep mode than others.

Jim
HiTech
Explorer
Jun 15, 2013
KJINTF wrote:
Has anyone given any thought to the self consumption aka parasitic draw the controller has on the batteries when there is no sunshine? The controller is powered from this connection. Not much power needed when in night mode but every milli amp helps discharge the bank.

I always put a switchable breaker between the array and the controller and another one between the controller and the battery. Easies serviceability, allows a system reset after downloading new firmware, Isolates the battery bank, etc...

Yes even the meter has a draw. I noticed this with my AGMs. It was throwing off my 24 hour resting voltage.

Jim
pianotuna
Nomad III
Jun 15, 2013
Hi,

I leave my switches on so I can take advantage of early morning charging I suppose I should not
KJINTF
Explorer
Jun 15, 2013
Has anyone given any thought to the self consumption aka parasitic draw the controller has on the batteries when there is no sunshine? The controller is powered from this connection. Not much power needed when in night mode but every milli amp helps discharge the bank.

I always put a switchable breaker between the array and the controller and another one between the controller and the battery. Easies serviceability, allows a system reset after downloading new firmware, Isolates the battery bank, etc...

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