Solar charging... Can I disconnect the battery

Most people disconnect the SP or cover it to prevent it pumping out power.

Thanks for getting back.The thing I dont get, and it may be just me, is if I disconnect the panel from the control box the disconnected wires will I assume, still be producing power from the panel, with nowhere to go. I do get the throw a cover over the panel bit though. I was thinking of bringing the battery home when the van is in storage, as a backup in case of power outages over winter.I suppose I would have to make a fixed lightproof cover that wouldn't blow away.

 

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If the SP is not connected, that is there is no circuit then it cannot 'generate' any electricity, All a SP does is convert photons into electrons, if there is no circuit those electrons cannot 'flow' or transfer their charge and hence no electricity.

Those electrons will stay there and all that will happen is that the SP will have a increase in temperature by a few degrees if that before this heat is given to the air at some point sooner or later (and funnily enough it will get 'heavier') but this would also happen when it's in use and is nothing to worry about at all, or if it does for you cover it.

The solar controller requires a battery to be connected before the panels, so that it can identify the voltage of the battery. A circuit breaker like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/UTSAUTO-Resettable-Inverter-Automotive-Protection/dp/B08J6HKDQ7/ref=pd_rhf_d_se_s_pd_sbs_rvi_sccl_2_5/257-9988048-8214529?pd_rd_w=qCyDn&content-id=amzn1.sym.0963df7f-7cea-4859-a393-2a2c2885a717&pf_rd_p=0963df7f-7cea-4859-a393-2a2c2885a717&pf_rd_r=C005YC8HKGV33V0Z6ZJS&pd_rd_wg=A0c63&pd_rd_r=559ebfc3-d4e0-418b-bf8e-402b4583c57d&pd_rd_i=B08J6HKDQ7&psc=1 makes it an easy job.

Thanks for the detailed replies, looks like I was worrying  unnecesserily, but better safe than sorry. I had the idea that it would go into meltdown like a runaway power station. Thanks again. 

 

 Please help!

Is there any reason NOT to install a solar panel across the roof of my caravan( Left to Right), most I see are along the roof front to back!  I am replacing a delaminated flexible one with a rigid framed one, across would allow me to fit a bigger panel.

No reason at all, go for it.

peedee

THANK YOU! PEEDEE,  I'm grateful for your advice.