Leaving solar controller on all the time?

[ermracing]

Do you leave your solar controller on all the time? I've only been turning it on when we're home. We're still in the building phase but do use the power in the bus a bit for lights or tools. The charge controller (40w MPPT) also does the different types of charge (bulk, float, equalizing) so does shutting it off mess up the timing of these?

[ldmccain]

Not sure on yours. Betting it at least resets the equalize counter.
The only times mine has been off in the past 5 years is when I was working on the system. It does reset the equalize counter on mine when disconnected from power.

[john61ct]

Likely resets to defaults.

No charger should be allowed to automatically equalize IMO, should be done manually one unit at a time.

[Ninjakitty]

I leave mine on all the time unless doing system mods or repairs. When plugged I to shore power, I turn off the breaker between the panels and controller

[Ronnie]

I leave mine on all the time.

[john61ct]

With a good controller adjusted properly for the current situation, no reason to shut it down just because it's not needed.

[Tarheel Travelers]

I leave mine on all the time too. When plugged in, a lower amount of juice is being sent to the batteries. My inverter adjusts based on the voltage of the batteries whether it charges or not. They tend to work it pretty well amongst themselves. I have AGM batteries so they don’t need to go thru equalization.

[ermracing]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll just leave it on unless we're servicing the panels or something. I will read up on equalizing the batteries though, so I can fully understand that process.

[Ninjakitty]

Originally Posted by Tarheel Travelers

I leave mine on all the time too. When plugged in, a lower amount of juice is being sent to the batteries. My inverter adjusts based on the voltage of the batteries whether it charges or not. They tend to work it pretty well amongst themselves. I have AGM batteries so they don’t need to go thru equalization.

I also.have agm batteries. I contacted the manufacturer (renogy). They said not to do an equalization charge.

[john61ct]

Lifeline are the only AGM that have an equalization protocol.

Meaning high voltage, deliberate overcharge.

Should always be done manually, ideally at the V level of each unit separately.

Disable any automated routines on charge sources.