charging both batteries A+B using solar

[J.Kitchens]

Originally Posted by joehixon

Can you leave your solar charge controller connected while the engine is running the alternator?

Yes. This works fine.

[SV_Harbinger]

For what it's worth, I have my solar charger connected to the 1/2/both/off switch and I do have a switch between the panels and the controller, first on last off, although in the time I've had the solar on board I've never had the switch on off, there's always a battery that needs charged....

[David B]

Originally Posted by OZ-Sailor

I'm just about to install solar to my 25' Compass 750 and not sure how to set it up to charge both batteries (or if you can do this at all). I have two x 100ah 12v sealed batteries set up with isolating switch to offer battery 1, battery 2 or both batteries.

I just ordered this: 100 Watt 12V Solar Panels Kit + 20A Charge Controller for Off-Grid 12 Volt Battery System


As far as I understand I can only apply the charge to one of the batteries without setting up a similar isolating switch to swap between either battery, but can't charge both batteries at the same time

Is this correct?

Easy way is to order a solar charger that has two battery feeds - they are around the $50-$100 mark online

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Please link to such a one, other than the Morningstar SunSaver Duo POS.

If that feature were actually required, which here it is not,

then a DCDC charger would deliver it more reliably and offer multiple other uses and lots more flexibility.

John, there a number of controllers that fit this description, Google will reveal all , although they mostly appear to be the same as the sunsaver duo. I guess that you have had bad experience with a duo given that you described it as a POS, however that is what I installed on my boat and it has performed very well for years, what do you have on your boat?
Cheers.

[jkindredpdx]

Quote:
Originally Posted by joehixon
Can you leave your solar charge controller connected while the engine is
running the alternator?
End Quote:

Regarding having the solar panels charging while the alternator/engine is running... I believe one should have an isolator installed to avoid solar charge hitting the alternator.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by joehixon

Can you leave your solar charge controller connected while the engine is running the alternator?

Originally Posted by J.Kitchens

Yes. This works fine.

Ditto. Has worked fine on my boat for the seven plus years that I have owned it.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by jkindredpdx

I believe one should have an isolator installed to avoid solar charge hitting the alternator.

No completely unnecessary.

Put as many disparate charge sources as you like in parallel, NP.

As long as each is within the batt' spec they'll work out.

Ideally same profiles but NBD