Got any solar diagrams?

[drish]

Wondering how the existing converter ties into the system when adding solar, does that keep charging the batteries from shore power and the alternator even with solar? Or does the solar controller replace it entirely and shore / alternator goes through it too?

 

[HueyPilotVN]

The solar connects to the batteries directly thru the charge controller.

The convertor/charger remains connected also.

It is kind of like filling a swimming pool from two hoses.

That is the simplified version.

I am sure that a much more complete answer will follow.

 

[drish]

It is kind of like filling a swimming pool from two hoses.

That makes perfect sense  ;D

 

[Lou Schneider]

I am sure that a much more complete answer will follow.

Why?  You succinctly answered the question.  Nicely done, Bill.

 

[HueyPilotVN]

Thank you Sir.

I try to be a man of few words, unless you get me started telling war stories.

 

[solarman]

i can give you a three page dissertation on charging theory but

HueyPilot's version is correct.. also the hose with the highest pressure wins...

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

It's really THREE hoses in that pool - a converter/charge hose, an alternator hose, plus a solar hose.  All three flow to a common inlet (the Plus terminal) and the one with the highest pressure (voltage) delivers the most, pushing the others out of its way if necessary.  When all three are equal, they each contribute the same amount.

 

[decaturbob]

the info I need is what do I need to do IF and WHEN I go to some type of lithium based coach battery system to replace my existing wet cell deep cycle ones.  How is the existing convertor and alternator going to play with those batteries? I would obvious have a solar charge controller that can deal with lithium batteries.