Solar Panel

[Nancy]

Newbie question - We have an R-29 2014 with a Inverter/Charger. The batteries charge either when the motor is running (alternator) or when we are hooked to shore power and have the button "Shore/Charger" on. Now, here is where my understanding gets murky. When neither the inverter nor the engine is on and when we are NOT hooked to shore power - does the solar panel charge the batteries? If so, does it do it through the inverter? (Do I need to have the Inverter switch on on the PDP and/or the switch to inverter?)

Or does the solar panel bypass the inverter unit entirely and just charge the batteries?

 

[ronnieg]

Hi Nancy,
The solar charges the batteries directly. We have it set up for the house to take 90% of the charge and 10% will go into the engine. You are correct on the shore power it is run thru the inverter /shore. and alternator on the engine will also charge all of your batteries .

If you have any questions please call or email
Thanks
Ronnie Gonzales
Cutwater/ Ranger customer service
Ronniegongales@cutwaterboats.com
425-220-3932

 

[knotflying]

Also, even if you have the solar panel controller set to 90%/10% the relays will kick in and eventually all batteries will be topped off.

 

[Doc of the Bay]

I have a 2011 31' RangerTug with the solar panel. I cannot get any readout on the digital display. The little status light is green. I can hold the menu bottom and switch modes but no number displays. Thoughts?

 

[knotflying]

Check your fuses and connections from the batteries to the controller. If they are okay then I would suggest calling Morningstar They are pretty responsive.

 

[ronnieg]

I have a 2011 31' RangerTug with the solar panel. I cannot get any readout on the digital display. The little status light is green. I can hold the menu bottom and switch modes but no number displays. Thoughts?

Check your connections at the controller and at the display. all it is a phone cable connection. there are times that the connections come loose.

Ronnie Gonzales
Ranger/ Cutwater boats Customer Service
ronniegonzales@cutwaterboats.com
425-220-3932

 

[Doc of the Bay]

Thanks Ronnie.

The connections were all tight but I used the old IT trick. Unplug and plug back in. It worked.

John