Solar Questions

1L243 wrote:
I have completed my 500 watt solar install with 2000 watt PSW Inverter. I have a couple of questions.

If your plugged into shore power at a Park would you

Question:

1. Have both the Converter and Solar Charge Controller maintain batteries at same time?

2. Solar Charge Controller only with Converter breaker off?

3. Shut down Solar completely and let Converter maintain batteries?

Question:

When I turn on my Inverter it will energize all the outlets in my RV. I will have The AC breaker off, Hot water heater is on propane as is the refrigerator BUT I will have 3 tv's a 40" and two 24", a satellite box and a portable satellite dish. None of these will be on but will be plugged in.

Do these devices need to be unplugged before turning on Inverter.

Question:

Do you clean your solar panels, if so what do you use?

I have almost this exact configuration on my 5th wheel 480 watts of solar. just treat it like the solar isnt there, let all sources charge the battery they wont over charge unless your converter is a old one with out three stage charging.

your tv's will have a parasitic draw so its up to you if that is to much. I dont ever turn my ac breaker off as I have my inverter on a transfer switch so it still feeds the rv from the AC breaker , if your inverter power the intire trailer like mine you are proabably in a simular set up and turning off your ac breaker will defete the purpose of having the inverter. and yes I clean my pannels at the begining of eevery season. I do it very early in the morning or after it gets dark so they are not hot and I just use water and dishwashing soap. wipe them with a rage and the soapy water then rince them off.

Steve