Forum Discussion

TomG2's avatar
TomG2
Explorer
Jun 25, 2016

Solar Storage Protocol?

My Renogy Wanderer requires that I connect the battery to the controller and then the controller to the panels when installing. Do I simply disconnect the panels from the controller when in storage? The panels will be in sunshine. Will the controller drain the batteries if left connected?
  • Thanks rjxj. I thought I would ask, since things are not always as simple as they seem. The next question would be if anything special needs to be done with the cables from the panels, like a dummy load etc.?
  • The panels will keep the battery charged if left connected. When servicing the system you would first disconnect the panel then the battery to controller. They dont want solar power going into the controller when the controller is not connected to the battery.

    Yes, you do need to keep an eye on the water level. If you cant do that then fully charge, disconnect the panels then disconnect one of the cables to the battery.
  • When we change campsites, I turn of the breaker for the portable panels and roll up the wire. The controller I leave on so data can be pulled off to show what voltage was present from the alternator. Yes, the CC will use some power but under no load conditions batteries will self discharge anyways so some method of floating the batteries is needed.

    Fluid levels should be checked regularly on stored batteries.
  • SCVJeff wrote:
    Why disconnect at all? Let it charge and float the batteries


    If that is the best thing to do, then I will do it. I worried about the loss of water over a period of months.
  • Why disconnect at all? Let it charge and float the batteries

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