Can't answer them all but here's what I came up with this past summer experimenting with my new solar. Bogart Engineering SC-2030 solar controller connected to Bogart's Trimetric Battery Monitor.
I get 10A to the batteries from the truck with the truck running, solar physically disconnected.
I get 6A to the batteries from the solar with the truck off and disconnected.
With both solar and the truck running I get 10A to the batteries.
Same results with the converter vs solar, except a higher amperage out of the converter.
Right or wrong I believe if the SC sees a high enough voltage level it does not provide an output thinking the batteries are charged.
No need to switch one source off if another is hooked up. You could, and probably should, have enough disconnects or breakers to be able to isolate the solar for safety's sake. I can isolate the panel from the controller (fuse) and the controller from the batteries (disconnect switch).
I have a relay that disconnects the truck batteries from the camper when off. I've started the truck with the camper on city power with no smoke.
