Do solar panels charge batteries while driving? - Luxury Coach Lifestyles
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Old 02-13-2013, 03:29 PM   #1
Jagermeister
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Default Do solar panels charge batteries while driving?

We are planning on full timing in 2014 or 2015 and installing a solar charging system in the motor home.
I am new to the forum so forgive a simple question:

With solar panels mounted on top of your rig, do they charge while driving? Do you have to set the system up a certain way for this to happen?
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Old 02-13-2013, 07:38 PM   #2
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As long as the sun is hitting them, they are charging. It makes no difference if you are moving or standing still.
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Old 02-13-2013, 08:01 PM   #3
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Your solar controller may shift into float mode depending on the voltage the alternator is putting out. But it should still charge.
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Old 02-13-2013, 10:45 PM   #4
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As Forest stated, it would depend on the Controller although when the Alternator is Charging the Voltage would be too High to allow Charging. Now if you can disconnect the Merge Solenoid that should solve that issue but why? typically the Alternator would put out more Amps than the Solar Panels.
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Old 02-15-2013, 06:22 PM   #5
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Am I understanding correctly that solar panel controller should automatically engage float mode when batteries are being charged off the alternator?
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