solar connecteion to battery

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Originally posted by PodBarb

Hi, those-that-know!  

I have a 5 watt Pulsetech solar battery charger connected to my battery while in storage.  I'm camping Monday and wonder if I have to disconnect the solar panel from the battery (directly connected) when using shore power.  Easily disconnected, but wonder if necessary.  Thanks!   

PodBarb, Short answer no.

Most small watt controllers do have 'bleed-back' yet only a fraction of the 5 watts and does no harm (not knowing your brand). Most are stated a 'Island Protected' which means very little or no bleed back.

As general principle, there is no reason to even hook it up if on shore power. Your Pod should be charging the battery from the 'on-board' system. Again not knowing your Pod or 'on-board system'.

Above all... What does a 5watt system actually do for you? Think about that.. That's meant to charge a cell phone not your Pod battery. Too small a charge. Think about investing into something a bit bigger. Or, add a switch off the battery to dis-connect it from the Pod. That way you don't have to remove or work the connections. If you go long periods between use, larger panel. Short time between use, put it away charged and dis-connect.

Again, for the size of your system, no.

Hope this helps.