Community Forums

Ragermack · 01-24-2019, 12:03 PM

I was wondering if you disconnect the solar charging while towing or disconnect the alternator feed from the TV.? Can both charge sources be used simultaneously? I intend to get lithium batteries when I get set up.
Thanks

twinboat · 01-24-2019, 12:53 PM

All of the charging sources are controlled by voltage regulators.

There will be no overcharging with multiple charging sources.

cwk · 01-24-2019, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

All of the charging sources are controlled by voltage regulators.

There will be no overcharging with multiple charging sources.

Does each voltage regulator also act like some type of check valve for the current flow? E.g., like a diode? That is, to keep the current flowing in one direction only?

In other words, what prevents the current from the solar panels from flowing back into the tow vehicle's alternator? And, vice versa?

Do the voltage regulators automatically handle that? Or, is there something extra that needs to be added to the circuitry when there are multiple charging sources?

twinboat · 01-24-2019, 05:48 PM

They are curent producing. devices.

Your alternator and solar controller don't suck power from the battery or each other.

There is nothing extra needed.

I have 2 battery chargers, a 100 amp alternator and 675 watts of solar connected to one battery bank, in my boat. I have run all of them together, on occasion, with no issues.

cwk · 01-24-2019, 06:47 PM

twinboat: Thank you!

John Hilley · 01-24-2019, 09:22 PM

On my F-53 Chassis motorhome, I sometimes see charging errors with both solar and the alternator charging. This is because of the battery isolation solenoid connecting house and chassis batteries while ignition is on.

twinboat · 01-25-2019, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hilley

On my F-53 Chassis motorhome, I sometimes see charging errors with both solar and the alternator charging. This is because of the battery isolation solenoid connecting house and chassis batteries while ignition is on.

Normal.

Besides controlling voltage output, alternator regulators sense if the battery voltage, its connected to, is higher then the alternator output voltage. Its not smart enough to measure volts, it only compares it.

All the light is telling you is that the alternator is not outputting more voltage then the solar. Its just there for the ride.

Turn on the head lights and draw some voltage on the chassis battery and the light will go out.