Marine Solar Panels, Complete Solar Systems, and Lithium Iron Batteries
  • Home
  • Marine Solar Panels
    • Marine Solar Panels
    • Flexible Marine Solar Panels
    • Semi-Rigid Walk On Marine Solar Panels
    • Rigid Marine Solar Panels
    • Stern Rail Mounted Solar Panels
    • Kits - Solar System Kits
    • Van Solar Panels
    • Portable Solar Panels
  • Kits&Electronics
    • Kits - Solar System Kits >
      • Flexible Solar Panel Kits
      • Semi-rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Auxiliary Solar Panel Kit
      • Portable Solar Panels
    • Solar Controllers & Electrical >
      • MPPT DuoRacer Dual Output Series
      • MPPT Tracer Series
      • MPPT Victron Smart Solar Series
      • MPPT Xtra-N Series
      • PWM Duo Dual Output Controller
      • Electrical Components
    • Mounting Systems >
      • Flexible Panel Mounting Systems
      • Semi-rigid Panel Mounting System
      • Rigid Panel Mounting System - Top Of Pole
    • Inverters
    • Outboard Motor Lifting Crane
    • Solar Water Heating System For Boats
    • Visit Our Store
  • Lithium Batteries
    • LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries
    • Portable Power Stations
  • Reviews & Installations
    • Reviews/Customer Comments
    • Gallery of Installations
  • System Design
  • Support
    • FAQ
    • Solar System Design & Installation
    • Manuals & Information
    • Solar System Installation Pointers
    • Troubleshooting
    • Contact Us
    • Solar System Installers
    • Battery Exchange Plus
    • Handy Products We Don't Carry
    • Freight Forwarders for International Shipping
    • About us
    • Call (248) 705-8337
    • Return Policy
    • Shipping Rates
    • Marine Solar Panel Sizing Calculator Tool
  • Blog

Turning a Marine Solar System On and Off

6/20/2017

18 Comments

 
I am often asked how to best turn a marine solar system on and off and if doing so will damage the panels.  Below are some thoughts:
The solar controller is powered by your batteries, not your solar panels so you don't want to disconnect the controller from the battery bank to shut down you solar system as the controller will need to reboot and reset each time it is powered up.  Rather, the proper way to turn off or shut down your solar system is by opening the positive wire from your solar array to your  controller.  We suggest a simple on/off switch in the positive wire from the solar array to the controller.  Turning the solar array on and off with this switch will do no damage to the solar system.

There is a reason it is desirable to be able to shut down the solar system with the switch or breaker between the solar panel and the controller.  When charging off the alternator, you want maximum output going to the battery bank for bulk charging until the batteries are up to proper voltage.  Some alternators, especially alternators with smart regulators sense the state of charge of the battery bank and determine to apply either a bulk or a float charge.  If the panels are connected and producing, the regulator of the alternator will see the sum of the battery charge plus the solar charge coming from the panels.  This apparent heightened state of charge may result in the regulator putting the alternator in float mode prematurely because it thinks the battery bank state of charge is higher than it really is.  The same applies for the shore charger.  This condition only occurs with certain combinations of alternator regulators, solar controllers and shore power chargers.  Most of the time it is not an issue.  Confused?  As a general rule, to be certain of getting the maximum performance from your engine alternator and your shore charger, open the solar breaker when they are in use.  Otherwise, experiment with your equipment and see if there is interference between the units as described above.  If not, leave the solar system on all the time; that is what we do.
Picture
18 Comments

Wiring a Marine Solar System

10/13/2015

16 Comments

 
PictureWiring Diagram for a Two Solar Panel System, a Dual Output Solar Controller and Two Battery Banks
We are often asked questions about how to wire a solar system.  This can appear to be a daunting task for those new to the world of solar but it is actually quite easy and straight forward.  In this blog I will walk you through the wiring process for our dual output controller step by step.

First, the definition of a few terms:
​* MC4 Connector - A water proof connector used in solar wiring.  Most solar panels come with MC4 connectors attached to 3 foot solar wire pigtail coming from the panel junction box.  These connectors are easily disconnected.
* Solar Controller - Except for small trickle charge systems, all solar systems should have a solar controller.  The purpose of a controller is to prevent batteries from being overcharged, apply the optimal charging current to the battery bank and prevent current from back flowing from the batteries to the solar panel at night.  Controllers are sized by their amperage capacity.  Controllers designed for residential and commercial (lighting) use are generally overkill and not well suited for marine applications.
* Temperature Sensor - This device is connected to the controller and senses the temperature of the battery bank.  If the batteries are heating up due to heavy charging, the sensor signals the controller and the controller reduces the charge current appropriately. A temperature sensor is only useful for systems with larger solar arrays as smaller solar systems do not provide sufficient power to over heat the batteries.
* Solar Wire - While most any wire can be used in a solar system, solar wire is designed for maximum conductivity and is well insulated with a UV resistant cover.  It is typically single conductor and the insulation is .25 Inches in diameter.

The wiring diagram below is taken from our dual output controller manual and illustrates the basic wiring required for a two panel system, a dual output controller and two battery banks.  Most solar controllers are single output so charge only one battery bank. In this case, it is common to wire the positive wire to the common on the battery 1-2-both battery switch to select which battery bank is to be charged.







​
A few things to note in the diagram:
* The two solar panels are wired in parallel using an MC4 T-branch connector,  If one panel is shaded, the other panel will still provide full power to the controller.
* There is a switch in the positive wire between the solar panel and the controller.  This is optional.  The purpose of the switch is to turn off the panel should it interfere with the alternator output when the auxiliary engine is generator is running. It has been reported that some smart regulators are confused by the power coming from the solar panel.  It sees the sum of the battery charge plus the panel output and senses the batteries are fully charged so goes into float mode prematurely.  This is easily remedied by flipping the switch thus disconnecting the solar panel.
* The optional temperature sensor is shown to the left of the larger house battery bank.  It is simply taped on to the top of the battery.
* If you have a battery monitor such as a Link or Xantrex 1000 or 2000, it is important to connect the  negative wires from the controller to the shunt of the battery monitor.  Otherwise, the monitor doesn't see the power coming in from the solar panel and will give inaccurate readings.
* There is a sequence to follow in connecting the solar system.  Connect the controller to the battery banks first.  Then connect the solar panel to the controller.

​

Picture
Picture
A Set ofMC4 T-branch Connectors
Picture
Cross Section of Solar Wire Illustrating Insulation Layer and UV Protection Layer
Picture
Example of a Battery Monitor Shunt
16 Comments

    Categories

    All
    130 Watt Solar Panel
    140 Watt Solar Panel
    150 Watt Solar Panel
    160 Watt Solar Panel
    Choosing A Solar Panel
    Crane
    Flexible Solar Panel
    Hoist
    Led Cabin Lighting
    Lifepo4 Marine Batteries
    Lift
    Lifting Davit
    Magnet Mounts
    Marine Led Lamps
    Marine Solar Panel
    Pole Mount
    Selecting The Right Leds
    Solar Controller
    Solar Generation
    Solar Generation Worksheet
    Solar Panel
    Solar Panel Controller
    Solar Panel Electrical
    Solar Panel Mount
    Solar Panel Mounting Kit
    Solar Panel Output
    Solar Panel Performance
    Solar Panel Pole Mount
    Solar Panels
    Solar Panel Size
    Solar Panel Wind Resistance
    Solar Water Heating System
    Top Of Pole Solar Panel
    Top-of-pole Solar Panel
    Top-of-pole Solar Panel Mount
    Wiring A Marine Solar System
    Wiring For A Solar Panel

    Author

    Thomas Trimmer has been cruising with his Ericson 38 sailboat on the Great Lakes for over 20 years.  He has pioneered the use of solar energy for wilderness cruising.  He is continually designing and building equipment to simplify and enhance the cruising experience.

    Archives

    March 2022
    November 2021
    April 2021
    October 2020
    September 2020
    October 2019
    August 2019
    February 2019
    September 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    April 2015
    October 2014
    May 2014
    October 2013
    August 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    September 2011
    August 2011
    June 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    December 2010
    October 2010
    August 2010
    August 2009
    March 2009
    January 2009

    RSS Feed

Efficiently Powering Your Vessel/Van. Call/email/chat any time, we're happy to help you work through designing your solar system.
Home Page  Solar Panels  Mounting Kits   Product Page  Marine Solar Systems   Gallery of Installations    Customer Comments    Contact Us
Call 248 705-8337 or email [email protected]
Article On How To Size Your Solar Panels For Your Boat
Customer Reviews   ​Return Policy  Privacy Policy Shipping Times/Rates
  • Home
  • Marine Solar Panels
    • Marine Solar Panels
    • Flexible Marine Solar Panels
    • Semi-Rigid Walk On Marine Solar Panels
    • Rigid Marine Solar Panels
    • Stern Rail Mounted Solar Panels
    • Kits - Solar System Kits
    • Van Solar Panels
    • Portable Solar Panels
  • Kits&Electronics
    • Kits - Solar System Kits >
      • Flexible Solar Panel Kits
      • Semi-rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Auxiliary Solar Panel Kit
      • Portable Solar Panels
    • Solar Controllers & Electrical >
      • MPPT DuoRacer Dual Output Series
      • MPPT Tracer Series
      • MPPT Victron Smart Solar Series
      • MPPT Xtra-N Series
      • PWM Duo Dual Output Controller
      • Electrical Components
    • Mounting Systems >
      • Flexible Panel Mounting Systems
      • Semi-rigid Panel Mounting System
      • Rigid Panel Mounting System - Top Of Pole
    • Inverters
    • Outboard Motor Lifting Crane
    • Solar Water Heating System For Boats
    • Visit Our Store
  • Lithium Batteries
    • LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries
    • Portable Power Stations
  • Reviews & Installations
    • Reviews/Customer Comments
    • Gallery of Installations
  • System Design
  • Support
    • FAQ
    • Solar System Design & Installation
    • Manuals & Information
    • Solar System Installation Pointers
    • Troubleshooting
    • Contact Us
    • Solar System Installers
    • Battery Exchange Plus
    • Handy Products We Don't Carry
    • Freight Forwarders for International Shipping
    • About us
    • Call (248) 705-8337
    • Return Policy
    • Shipping Rates
    • Marine Solar Panel Sizing Calculator Tool
  • Blog