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Post by Saddle on Aug 17, 2018 17:03:51 GMT
Install 2x100W solar panel on the van.
I have two Renogy AGM 12V 100ah battery.
Should I disconnect the solar power charging
if the van is not in use for several weeks?
Will the Wanderer controller prevent overcharging?
I can cut off the solar charging with 30A trip fuse.
Is it better to cover the solar panel when it comes to
several weeks of inactivity to preserve panels?
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Post by bupkis on Aug 17, 2018 18:52:07 GMT
The purpose of a controller is to prevent overcharging. I'd leave it connected all the time.
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Post by tattoo on Aug 17, 2018 21:53:50 GMT
Leave it hooked up all the time... That way it's ready anytime you need it.....
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Post by Saddle on Aug 20, 2018 21:03:21 GMT
My second question was
if several weeks/months of inactivity,
it seems to cover the panel should preserve the solar cell
instead of exposed to the sun without using.
This van is for occasional camping only.
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Post by tattoo on Aug 20, 2018 21:28:11 GMT
My second question was if several weeks/months of inactivity, it seems to cover the panel should preserve the solar cell instead of exposed to the sun without using. This van is for occasional camping only. Why would you want to cover them up?? It's not going to hurt anything.... It will hurt your batteries if you don't keep them charged... |
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Post by Admin on Aug 20, 2018 22:44:01 GMT
Install 2x100W solar panel on the van. I have two Renogy AGM 12V 100ah battery. Should I disconnect the solar power charging if the van is not in use for several weeks? Will the Wanderer controller prevent overcharging? I can cut off the solar charging with 30A trip fuse. Is it better to cover the solar panel when it comes to several weeks of inactivity to preserve panels? While the Wanderer does prevent overcharging, everyday that passes in your system the Wanderer will deliver some charge to the batteries before recognizing to go into float mode since everyday would be a new cycle. Given the nature of your system, we recommend disconnecting your system if you will be going months without activity, not weeks. The batteries should be able to maintain their charge. With that said, you can cover the panels or leave them exposed, but make sure to try and avoid leaving your panels connected to your charge controller without a battery. Hope this helps! Renogy Team |
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Post by bupkis on Aug 20, 2018 23:05:49 GMT
Most battery makers suggest to float batteries in storage to prevent self discharge. Solar charge controlers do this daily and what even better is the monthy top charge they might do. Any parsite loads in you van like a clock or radio or CO/propane detector or charge controller without panel will discharge you batteries and if not maintained should be totally disconnected and given a top charge monthly or so. Float keeps em at top charge level and ready to go. lifeline has one of the best AGM battery technical manuals 2cw8eb1vmmgg3g5i7jzt6upo.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/6-0101-Rev-E-Lifeline-Technical-Manual.pdf |
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Post by tattoo on Aug 20, 2018 23:54:57 GMT
I still say keep them hooked up...
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Post by Admin on Aug 21, 2018 11:06:26 GMT
Most battery makers suggest to float batteries in storage to prevent self discharge. Solar charge controlers do this daily and what even better is the monthy top charge they might do. Any parsite loads in you van like a clock or radio or CO/propane detector or charge controller without panel will discharge you batteries and if not maintained should be totally disconnected and given a top charge monthly or so. Float keeps em at top charge level and ready to go. lifeline has one of the best AGM battery technical manuals 2cw8eb1vmmgg3g5i7jzt6upo.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/6-0101-Rev-E-Lifeline-Technical-Manual.pdfWhen it comes to storge and storage temperature conditions, many manufacturers actually say to give batteries a boost charge every 60-90 days. Depending on the conditions your battery will be stored, some of this might change. All the best! -Renogy Team |
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Post by bupkis on Aug 21, 2018 12:26:59 GMT
Talking months of storage and battery makers suggest removing batteries, inspect, clean and charge before putting them away in cool cry place.
Monitor and recharge if voltage drops below 12.5v, before use recharge and possibly condition charge...
The best feature of RV solar is battery maintenance with temp comp and better or programable set pts/abs time.
The daily charge in storage requires very little power to raise a charged battery to 14.4v or so and this not only slowly returns sulfate into solution but prevent new sulfate from forming. Always ready to go.
The number one killer of batteries is undercharging, seems storage can cause that!
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Post by tattoo on Aug 21, 2018 12:48:31 GMT
The number one killer of batteries is undercharging, seems storage can cause that! You got that right..... It's way worse to undercharge the batteries than keep them fully charged.... |
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Post by jsb2000 on Aug 22, 2018 0:07:43 GMT
The number one killer of batteries is undercharging, seems storage can cause that! You got that right..... It's way worse to undercharge the batteries than keep them fully charged.... The next worst thing to do to a battery besides undercharging would be to boil off too much electrolyte and expose the plates. But that would typically take many MONTHS of neglect or heavy/repeated overcharging to accomplish. A couple of weeks (or even a couple of months) with a proper charge controller doing its job is not going to do that to the batteries. And, as mentioned, undercharging batteries is a much more common killer of batteries. Leave 'em connected! |
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v10
Solar Advocate
Posts: 81
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Post by v10 on Aug 23, 2018 0:57:34 GMT
I think you would do well to leave them connected.
I got a kick out of something I was reading that said most batteries dont really die, they get murdered by their owners
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Post by tattoo on Aug 23, 2018 1:27:12 GMT
I think you would do well to leave them connected. I got a kick out of something I was reading that said most batteries dont really die, they get murdered by their owners Yep, I'm guilty of killing 4 of them.... Within two weeks... |
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v10
Solar Advocate
Posts: 81
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Post by v10 on Aug 24, 2018 23:59:31 GMT
Yep, thats what happened to my last set.
They went a few seasons but running them low and improper charging led to an early demise.
It seems they like the constant activity of the charge controller as opposed to sitting dormant.
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