Solar Panel Wiring Question?

[azav8tor]

I have my solar panel wired through a charge controller to my batteries which are wired in parallel. I have a battery selector switch, and have it set to both. My question is; do I need to disconnect the solar prior to starting the engine? Will the charge coming from the engine harm the charge controller or the solar panel?

[grady]

No leave it connected.

[Three Gypsies]

I would suggest wiring the output of the charge controller to your Common terminal of the battery selector . This way you can select which battery you want to get the solar charge 1 , 2 , or both .
The charge from the motor will not hurt the solar controller . Most controllers will sense the charge coming from the motor and shut the solar charge off.

Yet another way , the way I have mine wired , is the solar charge goes directly to my house batteries . No matter which set of batteries I have selected on the selector switch , the house batteries are getting the solar charge .
Typically , when the motor is running it is charging the start batteries , my selector switch is set for #1 , while the solar cells are charging the house batteries . This way I take advantage of all the charging capacity .

My system is two start batteries paralleled together and connected to #1 on the selector switch.
The two house batteries are parallel and connected to #2 on the selector switch .
As stated , the solar cells are connected directly to the house batteries .

[azav8tor]

Thanks for the advice! I am heading out in the morning for a month of sailing in different places in Texas. Wanted to make sure I didn't screw up my electrical system on the trip.

[DaveB]

I use a cobiner with two house batteries and a Starter Battery that separates the house from starter Battery and charges the most demanding, also have twin 40 watt Solar panels connected direct to the twin house batteries with a 6 amp controller.
This is what you need to isolate house from Starter battery and when engine is running will charge the lesser bank first.
The Yandina will keep your house and starting battery isolated in case you draw to much from house to start engine.

http://www.yandina.com/c100InfoR3.htm

Dave

Thanks for the advice! I am heading out in the morning for a month of sailing in different places in Texas. Wanted to make sure I didn't screw up my electrical system on the trip.