Charging - solar & alternator

carlh

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
39
Hi,

Am looking at installing three 250AH batteries and two 140W solar panels to charge them via a MPPT charge controller.

Question is, when engine is running I want to use the engine alternator to charge instead of solar. Can it be done and how?

Carl
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,454
Re: Charging - solar & alternator

No need to disconnect. They can all be connected at the same time. Done all the time on motor homes. Since the MPPT constantly monitors the battery voltage, it will see the high voltage caused by the alternator and believe the batteries do not need any more current from the solar.

Check your manual on your charge controller to be sure though.
 

carlh

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
39
Re: Charging - solar & alternator

Super - that makes the whole idea so much simpler, I will double check before I buy the controller.
 
Top