Cruisers Forum
 


Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. Advertise Here
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 17-07-2012, 09:52   #1
Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2
Help - Solar charging confusion

Just installed a solar panel on my boat to provide some charge while I'm on the hook. Hoping someone might be able to offer me some assistance regarding the controller. I recently purchased a Sunforce 12v 10amp controller, have it up and running and wondering if I have an overcharge issue.

My house bats are also hooked up to a Xantrex battery charger pulling from 110 shore power for typical charging. When my Xantrex charger is on, the solar controller never seems to indicate a "float/maintain" state even though the Xantrex charger appears to be in a float/maintain state. Instead the charge indicator on the controller is lit.

Only when I turn off the Xantrex does the indicator on the charger flip over to a float/maintain state from charge. Would this indicate that there is simply a continuous flow of charge into the battery even if they are being float/maintained by the Xantrex?

Thanks in advance for any thoughtful advice you might have!
ctm98199 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-07-2012, 17:52   #2
Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Chesapeake Bay
Boat: Wharram custom 44'
Posts: 231
Re: Help - Solar charging confusion

Both chargers are reacting to the battery voltage. The Xantrex may be set at a slightly lower float voltage than the solar controller. A good PWM solar controller will go into equalization mode for a while, which is higher than float mode.
kaimusailing is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17-07-2012, 17:58   #3
Nearly an old salt
 
goboatingnow's Avatar

Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Lefkas Marina ,Greece
Boat: Bavaria 36
Posts: 22,801
Images: 3
It's not really a problem, just the solar has a slightly higher set point to enter float mode

Dave
__________________
Interested in smart boat technology, networking and all things tech
goboatingnow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18-07-2012, 10:46   #4
Registered User

Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2
Re: Help - Solar charging confusion

Thanks all for the advice! Consensus seem to not sweat it . . .though I'll keep an eye on it just to make sure.

Cheers,
Chuck
ctm98199 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
charging, solar


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Advertise Here


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 14:58.


Google+
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Social Knowledge Networks
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.

ShowCase vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.