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1L243's avatar
1L243
Explorer II
Mar 23, 2021

Solar Questions

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?
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Mar 23, 2021
    Hi 1L243,

    My solar and all forms of charging play well together. So I would go with #1.

    My preference is to shut everything down when I switch to using the inverter. The transfer switch I have is internal to the inverter/charger and I'd hate to burn the contacts, so switching at zero load is best. Items don't need to be unplugged--but I do switch them off, other than the microwave clock. My default for the converter is unplugged.

    I use dawn dish soap sparingly with lots of water and a soft microfiber cloth. Mostly I don't clean them at all.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Mar 23, 2021
    #3 Batteries are maintained 24/7.

    No need to unplug when turning on the inverter. Although off they may be on standby and using some power while the inverter is on.

    Clean panels with soap and water or just wait for the next rain, I generally wait.

    Normally A/C, HW and refer are not on the inverter output because they use a lot of power. A residential refer with a larger battery bank would be on the inverter.

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