Question about the solar pannel and storing the rig...

[grassy]

Almost time to put the rig into hibernation for the winter months.

Our 5th has a solar panel on it.

Normally, when I winterize my trailer I disconnect my batteries, etc.. Can I do this with an active solar panel ? I will probably be storing it outside.

Someone mentioned that I should "bag" the solar panel.

Thoughts.

Thanks, Grassy

[Margar3t1]

Good morning. We have a 100 what panel on the roof. I am going to remove the battery's And do not let the wires from touching each other or the Rv. But we put the cover all the 5th wheel. Hope this helps



Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

[SkiSmuggs]

This will be my fourth winter with mine. The first two winters I just plugged the power cord with an extension from the house for the Grp 24 and then Grp 27 battery. This past winter, with 2 GC2 batteries, I used a Battery Minder instead of the trailer system. I figured it used less electricity and was more effective. This winter, with two 100 watt solar panels, I think I will just use the Battery Minder again. No problem with temps down to 20 below.

[grassy]

The rig will be be parked about a hour from my house..not outlets and it wouldn't surprise me if temps go down to -31F.

Do I leave the batteries connected and assume the solar will keep up because there will not be a drain on them or do I disconnect..and if I do, will I damage the solar panel charger ?

[grassy]

This was just sent to me...

How to Winterize your Solar System

Solar RV and boat Care in Cold Climates

1. Cover panel(s) with something that will not allow light to pass through
2. Label your solar panel wires positive & negative; unhook your solar from your Go Power! solar Controller
3. Put wire nuts on the positive & negative leads from the solar panel(s)
4. Disconnect your batteries and store inside
5. Check batteries at least once a month and charge if necessary

[Bumps]

Yep ... that's what we used to do -- cover the panels with something. We came about the idea when we realized that the sharp corners of the solar panels would easily tear through the ADCO cover we were using. We pulled a bunch of carpeting scraps form the S&B's basement and laid them over top of every solar panel, including the corners. The old carpeting protected the cover for three years as well as putting the solar panels into hibernation. \ken

[SkiSmuggs]

I know that the solar charge controller should NOT be disconnected from the battery bank with active solar panels attached as it may damage the controller. I've been meaning to wire a disconnect between the charger and the bank. I also understand not having live wires from the panels (uncovered) and the wire nuts just in case. I would think just leaving the system in place would keep the batteries charged and thus keep them from freezing, but I'm not sure what effect a foot or two of snow would have on the charging ability (reduced, but by how much). If I were in an area without persistent snow cover and were not using a cover, I would just leave the solar active.
However, seeing the info from GoPower, I will probably use their process.
Removing my heavy GC2 batteries is not happening though, so I will continue with the Battery Minder for those.

[grassy]

Thanks all.. I feel a lot better now.. plan in place

Now maybe if you folks could do something about the snow and cold !

Hopefully, in a couple of years, we will not have to deal with this...

Grassy..