Forum Discussion

landlordy's avatar
landlordy
Explorer
Nov 01, 2017

Solar panel support..do i leave em hooked up no matter what?

As a beginner w solar with a small class b, I went w the simple 100 watt kit from harbor freight that comes with everything you need to just try to learn solar. I have it all mounted and hooked up and it is working perfectly. My question is do I leave it hooked up to the battery and charging all the time even when driving or connected to shore power etc or do I just use it when im boondocking in baja with no intention of starting my rig for days kinda thing? Any help is greatly appreciated.

10 Replies

  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Nov 02, 2017
    " or do I just use it when im boondocking in baja with no intention of starting my rig for days kinda thing?"

    Your solar on the house batts will not help you with the starting battery unless you link them all up somehow. There are ways.

    Just what way works for you will depend on your actual RV in particular how the engine and house batteries are set up.
  • red31's avatar
    red31
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2017
    landlordy wrote:
    The harbor freight kit does come w a charge controller.


    read the manual, voltage set pts seem to be adjustable, adjust to what ya like or what batt maker suggests.

    https://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/63000-63999/63585.pdf

    IMO, A suitcase version from renogy or solarblvd would be a better investment or a single 100 watt panel and a controller.

    Some might use the word 'true' or 'real' to describe something other than HF 15w panels and pvc stand.
  • scrubjaysnest's avatar
    scrubjaysnest
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2017
    time2roll wrote:
    Mine has been connected several years in all conditions.
    No issues. That is part of the beauty of solar. Let it work.

    What he said, been that way for us since 2012.
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    Nov 01, 2017
    Vahalla said it. I had a single 100 watt panel and the batteries used a lot of water. After adding another 100 watts, I put in a Grape Solar 40 amp controller. I check the batteries monthly and top off when needed.

    Before the controller I went through a gallon of distilled water a month. After, well it's been 6 months and I still have some let in the first gallon.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Nov 01, 2017
    Does the kit have a charge controller? If not, add one. Harbor freight doesn't give me the warm and fuzzy.

    Overcharging can kill a battery and months with no draw but the panels pumping power in can do just that. If there is a decent charge controller, it will stop when the battery is full.
  • landlordy's avatar
    landlordy
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2017
    You guys are the best! Now I can move on to all my other problems LOL! Cheers!
  • grizzzman's avatar
    grizzzman
    Explorer
    Nov 01, 2017
    time2roll wrote:
    Mine has been connected several years in all conditions.
    No issues. That is part of the beauty of solar. Let it work.


    What he said!
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 01, 2017
    Mine has been connected several years in all conditions.
    No issues. That is part of the beauty of solar. Let it work.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Nov 01, 2017
    Does your charge controller booklet address this subject? On good quality solar systems the controller will float charge and has no issue if plugged to shore power or driving.

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