titan
New Member
Posts: 2 
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Post by titan on Jun 1, 2015 19:14:24 GMT -8
I just installed the 100w panel Renogy kit with the 30a controller. I will be storing the RV outside over the summer for about 4 months. I plan on removing the batteries from the RV. Should I disconnect the wires from the panels to the controller if I remove the batteries? Should I attempt to cover the panels? I was just wondering if the panels are sending charge to the controller with no batteries hooked up... will it damage the panels or controller?
Thanks...
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Post by spiderbob on Jun 2, 2015 6:39:55 GMT -8
Just a question back at you. Why are you going to remove your batteries? I will leave mine months at a time with everything hooked up as do others. But you must check water (depending on battery type) at least once a month. My batteries weight 80 pounds a piece, and they have to be lifted up and over the aluminum molding along the hatch, which bends really easily, I'm well into my upper 60's and that is why I started leaving my batteries in. Solar is the best thing for you, use it.
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Post by jsb2000 on Jun 2, 2015 7:56:57 GMT -8
I'm with spiderbob on this one: I'd leave the batteries connected and installed. Then, there's really no need to cover the panels, disconnect them, etc. Make sure that you disconnect any load to the batteries/controller load terminals and you should be good to go.
But, to answer your question, if you do decide to remove the batteries then you should also disconnect the panels from the controller. As long as you properly protect the ends coming from the panels (from moisture, shorting together or to something else, etc.) then there's no need to cover the panels themselves.
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titan
New Member
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Post by titan on Jun 2, 2015 11:46:05 GMT -8
Hi...Thanks Spiderbob and jsb2000 for the help. Honestly, I do not need to remove the batteries. I was originally thinking it would be better for the batteries if I took them off the RV and brought them home and put them on a good smart charger to maintain them. I agree Spiderbob...they are 6 volt batteries and they are dang heavy...so not moving them is easier. I was just trying to find ways to extend the life of the batteries and charge controller. So... if I leave everything hooked up...is it okay to leave everything hooked up for years on end (as long as you maitain the batteries and soalr panel system?
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Post by spiderbob on Jun 2, 2015 15:18:07 GMT -8
As long as you do maintenance why not. Check battery levels monthly if they are flooded batteries. Clean the panels whenever you check the battery level, wipe them down. When I go check on mine, I just run thought the settings and make sure everything looks great. I hope you use them more than just ever so many years.  |
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Post by tabber on Nov 29, 2015 16:40:20 GMT -8
Is is possible for the batterys to freeze in verrry cold weather?
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Post by jsb2000 on Nov 29, 2015 18:36:58 GMT -8
Is is possible for the batterys to freeze in verrry cold weather? It depends on what you mean by "very cold weather." According to what I've read around the Internet, it depends on the state of charge of the battery. If your battery is fully charged or very close to it, the electrolyte will freeze at down around -90 Degrees F. But if your battery is fairly well discharged (say to 40-50% capacity), then it will freeze at a much higher temperature: Around 15 Degrees F! |
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Post by spiderbob on Nov 29, 2015 19:09:51 GMT -8
See, another good reason to leave them hooked up and charging, and with solar. I mean that is what the system does, use it. I don't even turn off my switch for the batteries while in storage. The batteries get exercised that way. There is enough parasitic drain to use the battery during the day and night. The solar works to charge it up again. I also have a "street light mode" hooked up from the controller. A light stays on all night until daylight when the light turns off. This also helps "use" the battery while just sitting in storage.
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k0vwa
New Member
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Post by k0vwa on Dec 10, 2015 9:33:33 GMT -8
Is is possible for the batterys to freeze in verrry cold weather? I agree with JSB2000 - a fully charged battery shouldn't freeze until -90F or so. I have left fully charged flooded and AGM batteries outside down to -26F with no issues. Good luck! |
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jd10
New Member
Posts: 5
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Post by jd10 on Jan 28, 2016 12:02:57 GMT -8
Hi,
I think this thread pertains to my question. We keep our van parked for weeks at a time in storage and I have yet to keep my system connected (read: paranoid of fires) while in storage; I've been disconnecting the panels from the charger and the charger from the battery. We have a 100W panel that connects to a 20A MPPT charger. There is a 10A in-line fuse between the panel and the charger. The charge controller is then connected directly to our 130Ah battery with a 20A push button breaker in-line on the positive wire between the controller and battery. Wires from panel to controller are 12AWG; from controller to battery are 10AWG. The battery has a few things connected to it that produce a parasitic draw of about 80 milliamps. We also have the MT-5 meter connected to the controller which I would also keep connected when stored.
With all that being said, is this set up protected as well as possible or appropriate for it to be connected full time while in the van is in storage?
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Post by Admin on Jan 28, 2016 12:41:31 GMT -8
Hello jd10,
Yes your system has the appropriate protection with those fuses and you would be okay to leave it connected.
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Post by cosmicboss on Aug 17, 2016 11:49:45 GMT -8
I personally think that there is no harm ever done in always following the recommended max fuse specification of the equipment being used even if sometimes fusing is optional. If panel says 15A max fuse rating use that, if C.C. says 30A max fuse rating... you know how it goes. If things start going awry the fuse should blow before it gets out of control. Thus saving your precious equipment and property.
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