Using batteries while charging with solar panels

starmanlane · 11-15-2019, 07:51 PM

I recently purchased an inverter, solar panels, and solar panel charge controller. My (hopefully not too silly) question is can I use my coach batteries to run the coach WHILE the solar panels are charging the batteries? The reason I ask is that I see statements online that say you can't use a battery while charging the battery (makes sense to me) but I can't imagine that people turn everything off when they are recharging batteries throughout the day using their solar panels. Does the solar charge controller sort things out?

Related question - can I use the inverter off of a battery bank while I am charging the batteries using solar?

Thanks for any advice. I have used the inverter successfully, but have not hooked up the solar system yet.

Bob Denman · 11-15-2019, 07:55 PM

Of course you can use the battery.

Since it's getting some power from your panels: it won't discharge as rapidly.

starmanlane · 11-15-2019, 08:00 PM

Thanks... my gut said "duh, of course" but reading too much on the internet started to make me question things.

Bob Denman · 11-15-2019, 08:27 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bufTna0WArc

Judge · 11-15-2019, 10:55 PM

I ran the 5000 BTU Auxiliary A/C unit in the garage of our Outlaw using the Inverter and my solar setup kept up with the demand from the Inverter.

There are a lot of upsides to using solar and very few downsides.

Bob Denman · 11-15-2019, 11:07 PM

It even seems to be getting a bit more affordable too!

Silas · 11-16-2019, 09:27 PM

1200w of solar and a second alternator, can run a 13.5 roof air off the inverter along with anything else while driving or parked without shade. It will even keep the hot water going as a dump load (when the batteries are full). Best quality of life upgrade for an RV.

LowOnCash · 11-29-2019, 08:13 PM

You're good to go - it won't hurt a thing!

Mike

Alex Morgan · 11-30-2019, 06:09 AM

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How to Use 12 Volt Portable Solar Powered Battery Chargers | Review of 12 Volt Solar Battery Chargers

Bob Denman · 11-30-2019, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silas

1200w of solar and a second alternator, can run a 13.5 roof air off the inverter along with anything else while driving or parked without shade. It will even keep the hot water going as a dump load (when the batteries are full). Best quality of life upgrade for an RV.

I'd like to see some pictures of your system.

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