Leaving Battery on Solar Controller
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13472
Printed Date: 06 May 2024 at 1:40pm
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Topic: Leaving Battery on Solar Controller
Posted By: Grant177
Subject: Leaving Battery on Solar Controller
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2020 at 9:03pm
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I've done a lot of looking around, but I cannot seem to find a specific answer....is it OK to leave a flooded lead acid on a solar controller for a longer period of time? Example, can I put the battery in my trailer in a storage yard, and just let the controller keep it topped up? It's a decent, 4 stage, MPPT, but I just can't seem to find the answer. Grant ------------- Grant 2011 R-Pod 177 |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2020 at 9:17pm
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Yes. The Solar Controller will (if properly programmed), act as a float charger for FLA batteries. In the case of LiFePO4 batteries, float mode is not used.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Grant177
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2020 at 10:20pm
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Thanks. It does have a specific setting for FLA so that is what it is on at the moment. It is not sealed, so I am not sure how often or the need to check electrolyte levels, but I'll check often until I get a feel for it... ------------- Grant 2011 R-Pod 177 |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2020 at 6:53am
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You’re on the exact right track. To maintain full charge and assure electrolyte mixing in a flooded battery the controller has to produce some hydrogen gas in the cells, so water will be consumed. Exactly how much will depend on the controller, the battery temp, and how sunny it is. So check the water level often, like every couple of weeks, until you know, and then check again when the season changes. Also, if your controller has terminals for battery temperature compensation you might get a temp probe for it and implement that feature, if you haven’t already.
------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2020 at 7:52am
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I leave my 50 W solar panel connected to my batteries all the time when not camping. I have a Morningstar MPPT controller and two group 27 batteries. I've been doing this for two years without any issues. ------------- 2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB 2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD 2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper 2014 Toyota Tundra DC |
Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2020 at 11:28am
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I'm doing exactly that with a 25 watt panel and a Battery Tender charge controller.  ------------- John '16 R-Pod 180 |