Solar Issues.

[Zieman]

I had a 100 watt solar panel & control unit installed installed at Camping World about a year ago, I disconnected
It 6 months ago because it was boiling out the water/acid in the house battery's, even when I was not connected to shore power, When I was camping on shore power I would lower the charging amps no difference. I would test it and the output reading were correct.

After a trip and I noticed that the battery acid came out and sprayed/went down the side on to the next bay's and removed some paint, upsetting to say the least. So I disconnect the panel, I have not had the battery's boil over since', even when I charge at a high rate 30AMP setting thru the Heart Interface.

Here is the real question, since the chassis battery's (engine battery's) are not charging when I'm not driving or running the engine, will the solar unit work and will it over-charge when I'm driving (engine on and charging)? The Coach is using 2 8D for House battery's and the same for Chassis battery's Any advise :

[hardy1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zieman I had a 100 watt solar panel & control unit installed installed at Camping World about a year ago, I disconnected It 6 months ago because it was boiling out the water/acid in the house battery's, even when I was not connected to shore power, When I was camping on shore power I would lower the charging amps no difference. I would test it and the output reading were correct. After a trip and I noticed that the battery acid came out and sprayed/went down the side on to the next bay's and removed some paint, upsetting to say the least. So I disconnect the panel, I have not had the battery's boil over since', even when I charge at a high rate 30AMP setting thru the Heart Interface. Here is the real question, since the chassis battery's (engine battery's) are not charging when I'm not driving or running the engine, will the solar unit work and will it over-charge when I'm driving (engine on and charging)? The Coach is using 2 8D for House battery's and the same for Chassis battery's Any advise :

You need to install a solar controller that will controll the voltage and shut off when the battery is fully charged. I use the Blue Sky 2512i energy controller which shuts down when batterys are fully charged and then charges battery when voltage is used. It will handle up to 25 amp output and you do not have to worry about turning the controller off.
Blue Sky Energy Inc. | Our Products

[Dave Rickey]

Solar panels require a charge controller, they tend to run at around 16-20 volts, which is why they were boiling your batteries: It was being charged well past its capacity.

--Dave

[SuperMike]

One has to ask, why Camping World installed a 100W panel without a controller. Do they not know what they are doing. or what ?

[ralper]

A controler is supposed to eliminate your problem. I would guess that the controler you have is bad and does not cut down or off the charging as it should when the battery is charged. I have found that most solar experts aren't very expert.

[Zieman]

They install a controller... I'm going to remove it and have it tested.. Thanks for the response Rz'

[Zieman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ralper A controler is supposed to eliminate your problem. I would guess that the controler you have is bad and does not cut down or off the charging as it should when the battery is charged. I have found that most solar experts aren't very expert.

I agree with you I thought I was at a store that would know what they were doing.. I will not go back to Camping World again.. Also I have found that almost every thing they sell is avaiable cheaper on line or at othe stores by as much as 30% that a lot of $$$ to me..
Thanks for the feed back.. Rz'

[Zieman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zieman I agree with you I thought I was at a store that would know what they were doing.. I will not go back to Camping World again.. Also I have found that almost every thing they sell is avaiable cheaper on line or at othe stores by as much as 30% that a lot of $$$ to me.. Thanks for the feed back.. Rz'

[SpursMVP]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zieman They install a controller... I'm going to remove it and have it tested.. Thanks for the response Rz'

If you have to replace it you might want to try the Morningstar TS-45 or TS-60 depending upon how many amps your system produces.

[Shadowcatche]

Camping World does not sell a decent quality controller using Sunforce. Check the current solar thread in the boondocking section Solar that really works .Solar That Really Works

[ralper]

See my post under Boondocking. "Solar That Really Works".
Compare what should be with what CW installed for you.