Converter fan constantly running after solar system installed
mjlitz said
01:39 AM Jul 31, 2012
We just had solar system installed. Is it normal for the converter fan to keep running? We have turn the breaker off because not sure if it is a good thing and it is too late to contact anyone. Appreciate any help
Bill and Linda said
04:54 PM Jul 31, 2012
mjlitz wrote:
We just had solar system installed. Is it normal for the converter fan to keep running? We have turn the breaker off because not sure if it is a good thing and it is too late to contact anyone. Appreciate any help
IF (important word “if”) the solar charger is set to a lower absorption or float voltage than the 120 volt charger then the 120 volt charger would most likely continue charging to bring the batteries up to the charger's set points. (This would also be true if the solar charger isn't getting enough solar power - sun - to charge the batteries during the day - it depends.) If the 120 volt charger is charging and / or is in the equalize mode, then yes, the fan may well be running and that would be “normal” as far as the charger is concerned – especially in the equalize mode or if the bank is in need of charging.(Not all batteries require equalization – depends on the battery type / manufacture’s recommendations.)
Others can comment on leaving the 120 volt charger on or not. I don’t normally.I just let the solar panels take care of everything and as long as they keep the battery bank up then I don’t “waste” the 120 power. But I do have a solar charge controller that is "smart." If I am going to be in a lot of shade and I have adequate shore power I turn off the solar and just let the 120 volt charger take over. But that’s just me.
Either way, it is important to have any charger, solar or 120volt, set to the correct charging voltages for the particular battery type.
Hope that helps a bit
Bill
mjlitz said
07:05 AM Aug 2, 2012
Hi; Thanks for your reply. Had it looked at today and the problem is fixed. Now understand the system and can't wait to get on the road and test it.!! Thanks again.
Happy Prospector said
04:27 PM Aug 24, 2012
I don't know if it is right or not, but I always turn off the converter at the breaker when using solar to charge the batteries.
We just had solar system installed. Is it normal for the converter fan to keep running? We have turn the breaker off because not sure if it is a good thing and it is too late to contact anyone. Appreciate any help
IF (important word “if”) the solar charger is set to a lower absorption or float voltage than the 120 volt charger then the 120 volt charger would most likely continue charging to bring the batteries up to the charger's set points. (This would also be true if the solar charger isn't getting enough solar power - sun - to charge the batteries during the day - it depends.) If the 120 volt charger is charging and / or is in the equalize mode, then yes, the fan may well be running and that would be “normal” as far as the charger is concerned – especially in the equalize mode or if the bank is in need of charging. (Not all batteries require equalization – depends on the battery type / manufacture’s recommendations.)
Others can comment on leaving the 120 volt charger on or not. I don’t normally. I just let the solar panels take care of everything and as long as they keep the battery bank up then I don’t “waste” the 120 power. But I do have a solar charge controller that is "smart." If I am going to be in a lot of shade and I have adequate shore power I turn off the solar and just let the 120 volt charger take over. But that’s just me.
Either way, it is important to have any charger, solar or 120volt, set to the correct charging voltages for the particular battery type.
Hope that helps a bit
Bill