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Author: Subject: Leaving solar power systems for extended periods
DanO
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[*] posted on 1-9-2014 at 06:23 PM
Leaving solar power systems for extended periods


What do most folks here do with their solar power systems when they leave them for an extended period of time? Leave them in place charging, put on trickle charge, take them offline entirely, or other?



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willardguy
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[*] posted on 1-9-2014 at 06:44 PM


we bring batteries up to FULL charge, switch off the solar and hit the main battery breaker. no worries about malfunctions or losing water, works for us!
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Russ
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[*] posted on 1-9-2014 at 08:36 PM


That's what I'd do if I ever left for more than a month.

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
we bring batteries up to FULL charge, switch off the solar and hit the main battery breaker. no worries about malfunctions or losing water, works for us!




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monoloco
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[*] posted on 1-9-2014 at 09:34 PM


It depends on what kind of batteries and how long you will be gone. Agm's only lose about 2% of charge per month when disconnected, while flooded lead acid batteries lose about 10% per month.



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Martyman
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[*] posted on 1-9-2014 at 10:43 PM


We disconnect our batteries and bring them into the house.
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Santiago
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[*] posted on 1-10-2014 at 05:16 AM


I have a small system with 4 golf cart batteries from Sam's. I leave the system on with the main breaker off at the power center. I am gone for 3 or 4 months at a time and this has been working for me for 3 or 4 years now.
YMMV
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volcano
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[*] posted on 1-10-2014 at 08:29 AM


had a portable rv system that I carefully kept from view when there. cabin was vandalized and they, the battery and charge controller were stollen. Bringing down new system this year. Had multiple lock system put on door. Had the battery on a trickle charge

[Edited on 1-10-2014 by volcano]
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