How to disconnect solar panel?

[acropolis22]

I need to remove my leisure battery for reasons I won't bore you with. My electrical knowledge is what you might call "schoolboy level". Having searched the forum, it seems that I need to disconnect the solar panel before I remove the battery. The solar controller is a Schaudt LR1218.

The instruction manual contains the following , (translated from German?), cryptic reference:

"The output voltage of the charge regulator is not suitable for direct supply
without battery.
Malfunction of or damage to connected consumers:
1. Do not operate the solar charge regulator without a battery.
2. Disconnect connector ”Plus Solar module(s)” on the solar charge regulator before changing or removing
the battery."

Does point 2 simply mean "Pull out the positive cable marked Solar from the controller"? And presumably tape it up after disconnecting it?

Any guidance appreciated.

 

[David and Sally]

Yes I think so.

Take solar positive out. As you say, make sure it does not short with the negative.

 

[ManTheVan]

Yes indeed. Just disconnect the cables that go from the solar panel to the controller, making sure that the ends can’t touch.

When reconnecting, you’ll usually need to connect the battery to the controller first, then the solar, in that order.

 

[pappajohn]

Or better still.....take the negative wire out.

 

[Manic]

Don’t disconnect when on load , cover it or disconnect at night.

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[acropolis22]

Or better still.....take the negative wire out.

Why do you say that, when they specify positive? Or is that a joke I'm missing?

 

[acropolis22]

Don’t disconnect when on load , cover it or disconnect at night.

How crucial is that? It's not very practical on a storage site.

 

[Manic]

I think it can damage the regulator

 

[poppycamper]

I think it can damage the regulator

I have an isolation switch on my lead from panel to controller which I switch off when battery nearly full and in stowage even in full sun... never harmed regulator
Surely that is same as disconnecting leads from controller???

 

[Figaro]

Why do you say that, when they specify positive? Or is that a joke I'm missing?

Taking the +ve out leaves it dangling around and potentially coming into contact with an earth and sparking.
Removing the -ve makes it much more unlikely to come into accidental contact with the +ve.
That's how I've always understood it anyway.

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[acropolis22]

So, hoping to do this today, but a question occurs. What happens after I disconnect the solar panel, remove battery and leave the panel disconnected? In any other situation I'd expect the disconnection to completely inactivate the circuit. With a solar panel, what happens to all the little electrons buzzing around the panel when sunlight hits it? Be gentle, I know bog all about electrics........

 

[Raul]

Nothing happens if there is no circuit. The dance begins when you close the circuit.

 

[acropolis22]

Nothing happens if there is no circuit. The dance begins when you close the circuit.

Fantastic! I was hoping that would be the case. Thanks.

 

[autorouter]

How crucial is that? It's not very practical on a storage site.

Not really necessary. A solar panel is not like a battery if it short-circuits. A battery can push out massive currents, enough to melt a wire and start a fire. A solar panel won't do that. You can read the maximum short circuit current from the label, it's not much more than the normal current. And this time of the year you'll be lucky to get enough to charge your phone.