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Turning a Marine Solar System On and Off

6/20/2017

5 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.
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5 Comments
gary
9/26/2017 04:42:24 pm

I want to use a solar panel to charge my boat batteries. Live in fl so get lots of sun. Recommendations?

Reply
Sariah Meagle link
8/28/2018 09:10:48 pm

My dad wanted to save up on utilities and try using alternative energy. It was explained here that the solar controller and be able to be shut down by a breaker. Furthermore, it's advisable to hire professionals when considering custom solar installation.

Reply
Laura Nichols link
12/14/2018 11:23:30 pm

great and helpful blog to everyone.. thanks a lot for sharing

Reply
Ajay Verma link
2/2/2019 07:13:03 am

Very informative article, Thank you for sharing this with us. We are planning to get solar panel for our home so what do you think which will be good?

Reply
Tom
2/2/2019 12:05:48 pm

We specialize in marine application of solar. Residential solar is quite different. I suggest you contact a local solar installer.

Reply



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    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.

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  • Home
  • Products
    • Marine Solar Panels
    • Solar Controllers >
      • PWM Duo Controller
      • MPPT Tracer BN Series
      • MPPT Xtra-N Series
      • Electrical Components
    • Marine Solar System Kits >
      • Flexible Solar Panel Kits
      • Pole Mounted Solar Panel Kits
      • Auxiliary Solar Panel Kit
    • Solar Panel Mounting Kits >
      • Flexible Solar Panel Mounting Kits
      • Rigid Solar Panel Mounting Kits
    • Outboard Motor Lift Crane
    • Solar Water Heating System
    • LiFePO4 Marine Batteries
    • LED Lamps
    • Visit Our Store
  • Testimonials
    • Testimonials/Customer Comments
    • Gallery of Installations
  • Blog
  • Support
    • Manuals & Info
    • Contact Us
    • About us
    • Call (248) 705 8337
    • Return Policy