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rdstr29 · 02-13-2014, 02:42 PM

How can you tell if the solar panel is working? By disconnecting the shore power (50 amp) ? Just curious!

danes-on-tour · 02-13-2014, 03:03 PM

You can measure the amps if you insert an amp meter into the circuit, but there is no "easy way" other than that I believe.

Our factory installed solar system also only charged the house batteries which is not what I wanted, so I installed a different controller and a remote meter that tells me all about solar panel charge and state of batteries in both banks.

I can really recommend this product Morningstar Corporation Â» SunSaver Duo . Easy install and all the info that I need at a press of a button.

vsheetz · 02-13-2014, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danes-on-tour

You can measure the amps if you insert an amp meter into the circuit, but there is no "easy way" other than that I believe.

Our factory installed solar system also only charged the house batteries which is not what I wanted, so I installed a different controller and a remote meter that tells me all about solar panel charge and state of batteries in both banks.

I can really recommend this product Morningstar Corporation Â» SunSaver Duo . Easy install and all the info that I need at a press of a button.

Agree on the Morningstar SunSaver Duo. If it has the needed capacity its a good way to go. In had one before I decided to go bigger. Now have the Morningstar TS60.

Afc-Jr · 02-13-2014, 08:27 PM

Our '94 model has a control box inside the cabinet just froward of the refrigerator. It is about 4" x 6" and has a fuse holder and a meter to show the voltage. You are right though on disconnecting the shore power.

nodine · 02-14-2014, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdstr29

How can you tell if the solar panel is working? By disconnecting the shore power (50 amp) ? Just curious!

You could disconnect the shore power and turn the generator off. Then attach a voltmeter between the positive and negative terminals of the house battery system. You should measure a voltage greater than 13 if the solar system is charging. Leave the meter connected and go on the roof and put a tarp over the solar panels. Go back and check the meter again and you should notice a reduction in the battery voltage.

Of course you could do like Henrik suggested and disconnect one of the leads from the solar regulator and re-apply the connection via a current measuring device.

Bob