Ask PYS - Should I Disconnect My Solar Panels When I Am Charging With My Alternator?
November 28, 2020 · 3 min · 8K views
What this video covers
Simultaneous charging from solar panels and an engine alternator can cause an alternator to shut down prematurely if it senses high battery voltage.0:30 This shutdown often disables the engine tachometer, which relies on the alternator for an RPM signal.0:57 To prevent this, boaters can either manually add electrical loads to lower battery voltage or install a service disconnect switch for the solar array.1:14 However, disconnecting solar panels while they are active risks damaging the solar controller, requiring the panels to be covered first.2:10 A more effective solution involves using an external alternator regulator, such as the Balmar, which can be configured to force a minimum alternator output regardless of battery voltage.2:21 This ensures the tachometer remains functional even when solar charging is sufficient to top off the battery bank.2:44
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