Installing solar, got a question...
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Jul-03-2018 05:06 PM
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Jul-08-2018 12:11 PM
CA Traveler wrote:
Wonder if they are concerned about their controller overcharging a charged battery?
Low-end controllers certainly have their quirks but I still don't get it.
It could overcharge when controller is set to push 14.x volt all the time, and there are indeed controllers that do this, but those usually can be adjusted manually to 13.x as well.
Most cheap controllers have 2 fixed voltage points, bringing the voltage to 14.x and then dropping to 13.x either immediately or after a fixed time. It won't overcharge... until it poops out and starts pumping 17.x all the time. Could happen to any controller, though.
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Jul-07-2018 05:44 PM
With BATTERY + and - on controllers
Read instructions. If the charge controller instructions are CHINGLISH specials, get help to follow installation and use guides step-by-step
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Jul-07-2018 05:08 PM
I don’t understand why I would need more solar if larger batteries were installed. Surely higher capacity batteries would make charging less urgent.
No TV + 100W solar = no generator needed
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Jul-04-2018 10:06 AM
Very noisy generator :M
2016 Wrangler JK dinghy
“They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” Benjamin Franklin
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Jul-04-2018 08:34 AM
Connect controller to battery, and panel to controller.
If properly installed, you don't need all the fuses breakes and stuff.
Its plug and play. Forget the converter...shore power, it will take care of itself.
'01 31' Rexall Vision, Generac 5.5k, 1000 watt Honda, PD 9245 conv, 300 watts Solar, 150 watt inv, 2 Cos 6v batts, ammeters, led voltmeters all over the place, KD/sat, 2 Oly Cat heaters w/ ox, and towing a 2012 Liberty, Lowe bass boat, or a Kawi Mule.
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Jul-04-2018 08:16 AM
This is how Solar City recommends setting up the system. They use mini breakers in a mini box.
At a minimum, you should have a switch that allows you to turn off the power from the controller to the battery. Some charge controllers mandate that the panel be switched off before removing the battery. (Your manufacturer may differ)
Bill
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Jul-04-2018 08:10 AM
Wind River wrote:Wonder if they are concerned about their controller overcharging a charged battery? Or something else?
I turn off the solar panels when plugged into shore power per Renogy's recommendation.
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Bob
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Jul-04-2018 07:19 AM
“Getting by” isn’t fun. One solar watt per battery amp hour minimum but for mountain camping 1.5 would be better.
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Jul-04-2018 01:23 AM
I turn off the solar panels when plugged into shore power
Not sure why you would do this. Never heard of this before.
Dartmouth, MA
2021 RAM 2500 4X4 6.4L
2011 Forest River Grey Wolf Cherokee 19RR
520 w solar-200ah Renogy Li-Epever MPPT
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Jul-03-2018 07:33 PM
Wind River wrote:
I turn off the solar panels when plugged into shore power per Renogy's recommendation.
Never heard of anything like that before.
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Jul-03-2018 06:59 PM
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Jul-03-2018 06:51 PM
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Jul-03-2018 05:37 PM
Just leave the load wires on the battery as they were. And add the charge wires.
690W Rooftop + 340W Portable Solar,4 GC2s,215Ah@24V
2016 Ram 2500 4x4 RgCab CTD,2507# payload,10.8 mpgUS tow
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Jul-03-2018 05:26 PM
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Bob