Leave on or turn off

[motorhomewave]

I have a 100w solar panel fitted on the MH roof wired to the leisure battery, question is should I leave the 12v power switch on the MH on or off when not in use. Presumably the panel will not be charging the battery when the 12v power switch is off.

 

[golly]

Im sure others will be along with more knowledge than me, but certainly on my van the solar panel charges the battery whether the 12v switch is on or off. Can you tell by the LEDs on the regulator.

 

[gus-lopez]

Depends how it is wired. Mine charges both leisure & van batteries regardless of whether the system is on or off. The only way to stop mine charging is to take out the link before the controller or remove the individual fuses before the battery connections.

 

[Polar bear]

I have fitted a switch to the solar panel leads and can then isolate the solar panel from the batteries but I usually leave the batteries trickle charging from the solar panel and only turn off when driving and the engine is producing the charge.

 

[Reallyretired]

I have fitted a switch to the solar panel leads and can then isolate the solar panel from the batteries but I usually leave the batteries trickle charging from the solar panel and only turn off when driving and the engine is producing the charge.

This is what I have done. The switch fitted in the solar feed is rated at 30A as the standard 10A one would not be adequate in sunlight (400w panels). All batteries charge whether the main 12v switch is on or off. I don't turn off the solar feed when driving as the solar regulator will stop charging once the battery voltage exceeds 13.6v. The switch is just for doing any work on the 12v side as it is less fiddly than removing a hidden fuse.

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[motorhomewave]

Good thinking Golly, just been out to check, read out stays the same whether the main 12v switch is on or off, guess it means it charges the battery whatever. Still wonder whether to turn it off or leave on !

 

[pappajohn]

I have fitted a switch to the solar panel leads and can then isolate the solar panel from the batteries but I usually leave the batteries trickle charging from the solar panel and only turn off when driving and the engine is producing the charge.

Why ???

The panel is there and paid for and the batteries will only accept whatever charge is needed to maintain full charge.