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Question for you solar guys.

Sgeorge
Explorer
Explorer
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?
2013 Springdale 232SRT
2016 F250 XLT, 6.2, 4.30.
7 REPLIES 7

Snowman9000
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Currently RV-less but not done yet.

Sea_scape
Explorer
Explorer
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
Explorer
Explorer
Should have added that I have a Morningstar 20A PWM controller.
2013 Springdale 232SRT
2016 F250 XLT, 6.2, 4.30.

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
I leave mine on 24/7/365. Although I have wondered about a battery going bad while in storage.

mlts22
Explorer
Explorer
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
Explorer II
Explorer II
Unless you pull the batteries I would leave it connected. That way you have fully charged batteries whenever you want to go camping.
2011 GulfStream Amerilite 25BH
2003 Ford Expedition with 435w tilting portable/ TS-MPPT-45
750w solar , TS-MPPT-60 on the trailer
675 Ah bank, Trip-lite 1250fc inverter
Sportsman 2200w inverter generator

harold1946
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Harold and Linda
2009 CT Coachworks siena 35V
W-22 Workhorse 8.1L
Explorer Sport toad