BajaNomad - How to set solar system on leaving?

How to set solar system on leaving?

Santiago - 4-22-2010 at 05:57 AM

OK: I've got the basic design for a small 110v system but how is the system set when I leave for a couple of months? All lights, pumps off at the breaker box but let the panels/inverters do their thing? When I leave, the batteries won't be at full charge but need to be brought up to full charge and maintained. The room the batteries will be in has no venting - is this a problem? I'm talking a couple of L16s to start but will grow. Venting = dust so I try to close everything up. What happens if I completely disconnect the batteries even if not fully charged? A separate 5 or 10 watt trickle charge panel?

Mexitron - 4-22-2010 at 06:05 AM

From your post title I thought you were wondering whether to leave the lights on when you were leaving our Solar System..... :lol:

Sorry, not enough sleep last night....

BigWooo - 4-22-2010 at 06:31 AM

When I used to leave my system for long periods of time, I turned off the inverter and pump but left the charge controller on to keep the batteries topped off. Depending on what type of batteries you have, especially lead acid, it's not advisable to leave them without a charge for long periods of time.

Venting is an issue as the gasses can be explosive, as well as corrosive to the components of your system. Dust is much less dangerous. Put your batteries in an enclosed box that vents to the outside. That way the dust won't affect the rest of the room.

If you have lead acid batteries, maintenance and water level will need to be addressed at some time if you are gone for very long periods. Is there anyone you trust that can look after your batteries once and a while while you're not there?

Martyman - 4-22-2010 at 08:08 AM

We have a very rudimentary system with two lead/acid golf cart batteries. We disconnect the batteries and bring then in the house. It is surprising how much charge they hold while we are gone.
I could check your batteries Santiago, but I will also drink all your tequila.

Bob and Susan - 4-22-2010 at 09:37 AM

i thought you only had 3 fifteen watt panels
from harbor frieght

i'd just disconnect it all

avoid the fire

Pompano - 4-22-2010 at 09:43 AM

My solar system has been on constantly since 1976.,,with several updates. Not a problem if you have levels checked periodically during the hot times, etc. Bear in mind, some types of batteries will only last so long, regardless.

Good luck.

El Camote - 4-22-2010 at 09:54 AM

I agree with Pomp and Wooo: Keep it all hooked up and turn off the inverter. If you're only gone for a couple months, and especially if the batteries are new, they won't use much water. Keep a log of when and how much water you add. They'll use more as they age and will gas (use water) at a lower voltage in the warmer months.

If your charge controller has a settable high voltage disconnect, you can always set it a little lower when you're not there in the summer months. Although they come from the factory set at a very conservative point.

BajaGringo - 4-22-2010 at 10:25 AM

This is what I bought to install in my system. It will help you keep the dirt/dust out of your battery room and only vents when your batteries are charging. I am installing two just in case one should fail.

Zephyr Power Vent

Joelt - 4-22-2010 at 10:43 AM

I think Pompano is right in leaving the system on. Your charge controller should keep everything in good shape. You should have your water levels checked though. Sounds like you could leave some tequila near the batteries and the water level will be taken care of. I would also suggest that you have your pump run once in a while. They seem to seize up when not used for long periods of time. JUst my 2 cents.

Bob and Susan - 4-22-2010 at 02:04 PM

he only has 2 batteries

why not just take them home and
trickle charge them there :light:

lock everything else up

L-16.jpg - 8kB

mtgoat666 - 4-22-2010 at 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago
OK: I've got the basic design for a small 110v system but how is the system set when I leave for a couple of months? All lights, pumps off at the breaker box but let the panels/inverters do their thing? When I leave, the batteries won't be at full charge but need to be brought up to full charge and maintained. The room the batteries will be in has no venting - is this a problem? I'm talking a couple of L16s to start but will grow. Venting = dust so I try to close everything up. What happens if I completely disconnect the batteries even if not fully charged? A separate 5 or 10 watt trickle charge panel?

PV panels cost a fair amount of money, and have finite life, and are costliest piece of the system. I suspect that taking them indoors probably increases their life span. I have never seen any piece of equipment that does not benefit from indoor storage. If gone for half the year I would bring them indoors, assuming they are relatively easy to remove.

BajaGringo - 4-22-2010 at 06:09 PM

If they are easy to remove I would definitely remove them and store them indoors. Their life in your possession will definitely be much longer...

:lol:

[Edited on 4-23-2010 by BajaGringo]

BajaWarrior - 4-22-2010 at 07:16 PM

Quote:

I like your idea of a trickle charger the most. Secure your Panels as you would and maybe just use one of the panels that puts out the least.

I'm gone from my place at least two months in the summer and I just disconnect the strongest panels in the group and leave the single weakest. We get just as much heat as you do and the batteries are thirsty but so far not below the plates.

Are your batteries directly on the slab? That could keep them somewhat cooler too.

Make sure your watering is the last thing you do as you step out the door and you'll do fine.

monoloco - 4-23-2010 at 10:18 AM

Also look into using recombiner caps to reduce water use. There are 2 different types, Water Miser and Hydrocaps.

[Edited on 4-23-2010 by monoloco]