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Solar panel power, generator power, shore power

September 01, 2013, 10:17:05 am

I read somewhere on this forum that when you plug into shore power you should flip some sort of switch. Does anyone know what/where that might be?

When I unplug from shore power and return to just the power generated from the solar panels my Blue Sky charge controller invariably gets cut off. What seems to work is where the charge controller is connected to the battery- as I turn the wing nut on the battery and take off those connectors, somehow the charge controller gets a spark and gets connected. I tighten it all back up and it continues to work. But I don't like having to do that each time, and frankly it is unnerving to do it.

Any ideas of what I am doing wrong or not doing?  Thanks.

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Re: Solar panel power, generator power, shore power

Reply #1 – September 01, 2013, 10:29:05 am

Susan,

It will be very difficult for us to give you an answer that reflects knowledge of your system. If OE, you will likely have a converter, but could have an inverter/charger.  Either should be automatic-- that is nothing is required of you.  The exception is if you have an inverter/charger and the dip switches are not set correctly.  So, if you have an inverter/charger, whether OE or added later, please read it's owners manual and make sure it is properly set.

Other than a loose connection, can't advise on why the solar controller needs to be "reset" in order to work.  I would start by checking all connections between solar panels, controller and the battery.

Tell us more about what you have and we can likely be of more assistance.

Brett

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Re: Solar panel power, generator power, shore power

Reply #2 – September 01, 2013, 11:01:27 am

Brett,

Not sure what OE means. Original edition?

The inverter, Xantrex and Blue Sky charge controller were installed in Quartzite at same time as the panels.

Xantrex Prosine 2.0 Inverter Charger

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Re: Solar panel power, generator power, shore power

Reply #3 – September 01, 2013, 11:13:45 am

Susan,

I am just finishing up our solar panel installation. After digesting the info from solar forums and talking to Arizona Sun and Wind, I have installed solar 150VDC circuit breakers between the PV panels and the controller and also between the controller and the battery. I was advised for a shut down with the PV in operation to first switch off the breakers for the panels and then the breakers between the controller and the battery. In bringing the PVs back on line, the operation is reversed with the battery to controller breaker switched on first.

Since I installed the controller in the top can storage compartment in the coach, there was not much room so I chose the MidNite Baby Box enclosure with four breakers inside. I can then just power up/shut down the installation from one point and read the controller display at the same time. I brought large welding cables up from below so I would not have any loss. This way, the array can be shut down before the shore power is plugged in

I was also told that the 12V breakers should be installed exactly as the instructions indicate as they are sensitive to the direction of current flow and may not operate in case of a short otherwise.

Midnite Solar Baby Box Enclosure for 1-4 Din Rail Breakers  I used a pair of 100 amp breakers in and two 100 amp out for our installation. Breakers are available in many sizes. With a smaller installation, only two may be needed. Here is the page with the breakers and available sizes. They all fit a 30mm rail. Midnite Solar MNEPV 150 VDC Solar Array Breakers (1 - 63 Amps)

Pierce

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Re: Solar panel power, generator power, shore power

Reply #4 – September 01, 2013, 11:18:36 am

Susan,

OE= Original Equipment

And, if your inverter/charger's dip switches (older models) or programming (newer models) is correct, it is all automatic.  As soon as the inverter/charger sees 120 VAC from either shore power or generator, it does two things-- passes that power through to all circuits "downstream" of the inverter/charger AND automatically charges the battery it is connected to-- the house battery. Unless other provisions have been made, it will not charge the chassis battery.  Neither did the OE converter.

If it is not automatically charging, program it to do so.

Brett

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Re: Solar panel power, generator power, shore power

Reply #5 – September 01, 2013, 11:53:21 am

Pierce, Thank you for sharing this detailed description of what you implemented. I am going to print it and save. From the difficulties I have experienced this breaker system seems very wise.

For now, I am going to study the xantrex manual and see where I may have set controls incorrectly, as Brett has suggested.

One question, do you have a way to turn this breaker on and off from inside the coach? My charge controller is right down by the batteries.

Thank you.
Susan

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Re: Solar panel power, generator power, shore power

Reply #6 – September 01, 2013, 11:55:18 am

Brett,

Thank you for your responses. I have found my xantrex manual and will study it. If I can't find my way through it (There are myriad settings.) I will call xantrex for assistance after this long weekend.

Thanks again,

Susan

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Re: Solar panel power, generator power, shore power

Reply #7 – September 01, 2013, 03:20:29 pm

Susan,

My controller and breaker box are inside the coach. You could mount a breaker box inside a cabinet on the floor and close to the batteries so not to minimize cable loss. Would be a lot more convenient than going outside each time. Will post our installation in a week or two when done.

Pierce

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