Split Batteries Question

[UFO]

Due to our pen neighbor wiping out our stern and solar panels, we had new panels and controller installed under insurance.



A few months after this, when I had been away from the boat for a couple of weeks I came back to find both House Bank batteries (Lead Acid) both split in multiple places.


The cowboy installer had left our old solar controller connected to the batteries (not to the new solar array though) - It looks like it eventually shorted out and fried the batteries.


My question is: how damaging is the acid from the batteries to the fiberglass of the boat - There are areas that are not accessible where it could have got into?


Thanks In Advance for any answers

[smac999]

This is why every battery goes in a battery box.

Use baking soda to clean up the mess

Leaving a controller connected isn't going to hurt it. Sounds like there were over charged. New panels not connected to a controller and straight to battery?

[UFO]

Originally Posted by smac999

This is why every battery goes in a battery box.

Use baking soda to clean up the mess

Leaving a controller connected isn't going to hurt it. Sounds like there were over charged. New panels not connected to a controller and straight to battery?

New Panels Via New Controller.


Whilst the old controller was connected I got a reading of over 20V - It was like they were in series rather than parallel