Multiple charging systems

[matthfam]

I have 2 twelve-volt batteries in my RV. I have a 490 watt solar panel on top with a regulator connected to the batteries.
I also have a heavy-gauge set of wires coming from the isolator in my vehicle which has a 90 amp alternator.
My question is should I have a diode on the solar side to keep the vehicle charge from affecting the solar regulator? If so, what amp diode? Where best place to find it?
Thank you, RM

[pianotuna]

Hi jrnymn7,

As far as I can tell, the charging voltage for flooded batteries on the magnum is higher than the Blue Sky. The magnum is capable of 125 amps. I can 'trick' the magnum by putting the blue sky into equalization mode.

When I use the blue sky and alternator the charging voltage on the blue sky is dragged down to the alternator voltage. Yet if the battery bank is full the blue sky sends amps to the engine.

When I use the blue sky and the progressive dynamics they appear to work independently of each other.

If I use the alternator, blue sky and progressive dynamics all three play well together.

I have not had a chance to observe the magnum with the alternator.

jrnymn7 wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
I am able to charge from 3 sources at the same time.

The magnum hybrid inverter/charger does not play well with my solar system.

Why is that, anyway? Two very different algorithms?

[jrnymn7]

matthfam,

My understanding is the solar controller works as a diode (or one way valve, so to speak). Otherwise, at night, the panel array would draw down the bank.

The term you're looking for is 'paralleling' chargers.

[jrnymn7]

pianotuna wrote:
I am able to charge from 3 sources at the same time.

The magnum hybrid inverter/charger does not play well with my solar system.

Why is that, anyway? Two very different algorithms?

[pianotuna]

I am able to charge from 3 sources at the same time.

The magnum hybrid inverter/charger does not play well with my solar system.

[time2roll]

Multiple charging sources present no issues. No isolation needed.

[MrWizard]

As long as there is a solar charge controller between the panel and batteries , nothing else is needed, your alternator, the solar and the converter, are all parallel connected and skill work find