Solar charging question

We're running a dual battery system through a voltage sensitive relay. All works well. The second (house) battery is a big deep cycle which we'll use to run an Engel during an upcoming trip. We're going to run a 120 watt solar blanket as additional charging to the engines alternator.
I'm wondering whether it's ok to run the panel at the same time as the engine is charging or is it a case of one or the other, but not both Thanks in advance, John.


Swompa's picture

Posts: 3885

Date Joined: 14/10/12

Trusting you are running

Tue, 2019-02-05 12:33

Trusting you are running through a regulator, I cannot see there being a problem.

The regulator will stop the battery overcharging.

Feral's picture

Posts: 1508

Date Joined: 01/11/06

 Check with your motor

Tue, 2019-02-05 13:59

 Check with your motor manufacturer. Some motors have smart alternators and they might cancel out thinking its fully charged because the solar is connected .. Usually Id suggest only using the solar when the motor is off as its only putting in 6amp versus your alternator putting in 60 odd amp..

Stevo81's picture

Posts: 1278

Date Joined: 16/04/12

I run this on my 300Ah house

Tue, 2019-02-05 20:09

I run this on my 300Ah house bank. Takes the voltage from the alternator when its running or the solar from the 150w panel if its not and provides the house AGMs with their ideal charging voltage. Works great.

www.enerdrive.com.au/product/epower-dc-to-dc-battery-charger-40a-plus/

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                                   ••••••••  Electrical Contractor NOR  ••••••••

Posts: 6265

Date Joined: 26/04/14

 i run the same in my camper,

Tue, 2019-02-05 20:12

 i run the same in my camper, great bit of kit