Forum Discussion

Sgeorge's avatar
Sgeorge
Explorer
Oct 01, 2013

Question for you solar guys.

I recently installed 2 - 140 watt solar panels on my travel trailer I love not having to worry about battery charge. This is by far the best upgrade I have ever done to my trailer. The question I have is when the trailer is sitting for 2-3 months should I switch the solar off. I installed breakers between my panels and controller so it is easy to turn them off.
What are the advantages/disadvantages?
What do you guys do?
  • Snowman9000's avatar
    Snowman9000
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    Sgeorge wrote:
    Should have added that I have a Morningstar 20A PWM controller.


    Is it the Gen 2 or Gen 3 version?
    Click here to read differences

    The Gen 2, which I have, does not have a float voltage. It runs at full voltage at all times, albeit the amps and charge pulses will be minimal when fully charged. I asked about leaving mine connected and although the answers varied a little, the consensus was don't do it.

    The Gen 3 has bulk, taper, and float voltages, and would certainly be okay 24/7/365.
  • Sea_scape's avatar
    Sea_scape
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    Adding to the original question, if you cover the trailer (and the solar panel) for weather protection, what do you do? Is it safe to just disconnect the battery? Freezing won't be an issue.
  • Sgeorge's avatar
    Sgeorge
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    Should have added that I have a Morningstar 20A PWM controller.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Oct 01, 2013
    I leave mine on 24/7/365. Although I have wondered about a battery going bad while in storage.
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    If the charge controller is anywhere decent (with multiple voltages for different charge levels), might as well just leave the panels on. Cheaper than having the batteries trickle charge in the garage and less work moving them in/out.
  • JiminDenver's avatar
    JiminDenver
    Explorer II
    Oct 01, 2013
    Unless you pull the batteries I would leave it connected. That way you have fully charged batteries whenever you want to go camping.
  • harold1946's avatar
    harold1946
    Explorer
    Oct 01, 2013
    Sgeorge wrote:
    I recently installed 2 - 140 watt solar panels on my travel trailer I love not having to worry about battery charge. This is by far the best upgrade I have ever done to my trailer. The question I have is when the trailer is sitting for 2-3 months should I switch the solar off. I installed breakers between my panels and controller so it is easy to turn them off.
    What are the advantages/disadvantages?
    What do you guys do?


    I will assume you have a charge controller and if so there is no need to disconnect. It will maintain the battry bank and only needs an ocasional check of water levels.
    Advantages: No dead, sulfated or stratified batteries. They will be ready to go when you are.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 21, 2025