2024 GD 25DBE with solar panel and 40 amp inverter charging question

gmyatko

New Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2024
Messages
5
Hi,

I have a GD xls 25 DBE w a solar panel, and two battery disconnects. The top battery disconnect has a sticker on the bottom that says "Solar Panel" disconnect. One question is; The disconnect has two positions; on and off. I'm trying not to be a semantic wise guy, but does disconnect off mean connected?
Once I get past that question, do I want the battery disconnect below on "On" or "Off"? or to put it another way, will the solar panel keep my battery charged, and if so, what position do I put the darn things in?

Thanks,
Greg Y.
 
Hi,

I have a GD xls 25 DBE w a solar panel, and two battery disconnects. The top battery disconnect has a sticker on the bottom that says "Solar Panel" disconnect. One question is; The disconnect has two positions; on and off. I'm trying not to be a semantic wise guy, but does disconnect off mean connected?
Once I get past that question, do I want the battery disconnect below on "On" or "Off"? or to put it another way, will the solar panel keep my battery charged, and if so, what position do I put the darn things in?

Thanks,
Greg Y.

Yours is not simply a question of semantics, it is more a question of how you describe something that can be described multiple ways and at the same time describe it's status in multiple ways.

For example: the switch we are talking about could just as easily been called a connect switch. If it were called a connect switch, the status of off and on might make more sense.

Consequently, when discussing the switch, I like to use the terms of open circuit and closed circuit. Using these terms can eliminate confusion as to exactly what off or on means.

So, getting back to your original question: presuming your switches are the type where the red key can be removed your circuit is open (or disconnected) if you can remove the red key from the switch. If you can not remove the red key, your circuit is closed (or connected).

The way it works in most coaches is; that if you can remove the red key, your battery is disconnected from most of the 12v devices inside the coach, i.e.: the lights won't work.

Consequently, if you can remove the red key from the Solar switch, your Solar panels are isolated from the rest of your system.

Note: when I say "Your battery is disconnected from most of the 12v devices inside the coach" there are a few items that are still connected and drawing power from your batteries. This is why it is recommended to install a "true" disconnected switch at the battery that will completely isolate the battery from the entire 12v electrical system in your coach.
 

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