Forum Discussion

eaglet's avatar
eaglet
Explorer
Apr 29, 2014

inverter not working

Solar system installed not quite three months ago. Worked great! Got home and a week later the inverter quit working. Called the manufacturer who says to return it. Sounds like a short circuit.
Called the installing company several states away for info on removing the inverter safely and was told to just take it out and he'd never heard of one going bad. (??!!!)
The first one they installed didn't work so we paid for a lot of extra labor getting a new one in.
Question: what do we do to protect the solar system/batteries until the new inverter comes. Also, anyone else have problems with inverter ???
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Apr 30, 2014
    eaglet wrote:
    Wondering if we should leave a light on or something to draw some power from the batteries while the rig is in storage. -
    Verify the the actual battery voltage if you need assurance.

    Otherwise the leave the light on will just appease Tom Bodett ;)
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Apr 30, 2014
    No....need to leave a light on
    The solar "Controller" will keep the batteries at the correct charge
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Apr 30, 2014
    eaglet wrote:
    There is a controller that we are hoping/assuming is still at work protecting the batteries from being overcharged. The panel shows the batteries are fully charged and in float. Nothing is on now to draw power. The 12 volt system still works. Its not on shore power.
    Wondering if we should leave a light on or something to draw some power from the batteries while the rig is in storage. -

    Why?

    Most of us try to stop current draw from the battery.
  • eaglet's avatar
    eaglet
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2014
    The inverter is a Cobra CPI 2575. We did ship it off. There is a controller that we are hoping/assuming is still at work protecting the batteries from being overcharged. The panel shows the batteries are fully charged and in float. Nothing is on now to draw power. The 12 volt system still works. Its not on shore power.
    Wondering if we should leave a light on or something to draw some power from the batteries while the rig is in storage. -
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2014
    Its not clear to me whether you really mean inverter or converter. If you are worried about the battery being discharged you can just disconnect the negative connection to the battery. Should be good for several months if fully charged now.
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2014
    2oldman wrote:
    eaglet wrote:
    what do we do to protect the solar system/batteries until the new inverter comes.
    Protect from what?


    My thoughts also. Removing an inverter shouldn't have any effect on the solar system or batteries.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Apr 29, 2014
    It's this an inverter only
    Or is it, a combo unit inverter and converter/charger

    If you are really worried, in this order
    Disconnect shore power
    Disconnect solar from controller, don't short out the wires
    Disconnect batteries from system
    Now disconnect and remove inverter
    To install repeat in REVERSE order

    I suggest you get somebody, who knows, to help you
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Apr 29, 2014
    eaglet wrote:
    what do we do to protect the solar system/batteries until the new inverter comes.
    Protect from what?
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Apr 29, 2014
    Often there is lots of easy help available on this forum.

    Your inverter converts 12 volts back into usable 120 volts for regular household circuit small appliances.

    Your converter coverts 120 volts into 12 volts and charges your batteries.

    Your charge controller monitors the output of solar panels and protects your batteries from overcharging.

    So please, tell us what particular device and model you are having problems with, and what is happening with some real numbers.

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