Solar charging and dual banks?

[BlkGS]

I'm SURE someone has done this already so I figured I'd ask about it

Thinking that I want to have a small solar panel setup to keep the batteries topped up, I've got 2 house batteries and a single starting battery. Dual circuit switch, ACR, that kinda stuff as well. I've seen that this works with shore power and a 2/3 bank noco charger, but what about if I'm gonna charge off a solar panel?

 

[lazergeek]

I'm SURE someone has done this already so I figured I'd ask about it

Thinking that I want to have a small solar panel setup to keep the batteries topped up, I've got 2 house batteries and a single starting battery. Dual circuit switch, ACR, that kinda stuff as well. I've seen that this works with shore power and a 2/3 bank noco charger, but what about if I'm gonna charge off a solar panel?

Forget about using a 120v charger like a Norco. Its not worth the effort and expence to make those run off solar as you will need a battery bank and inverter.

You have 2 options. Fist is to get 12v solar charge controller and connect to your House bank, let the ACR control keeping the start battery charged. I do this with my setup 100w panel and 12v charge controller. It has kept everything charged for 2 years now.

2nd option is to get a 2 bank 12v charge contrller and connect one bank to House and one bank to start battery. MMPT charge controllers are most effeciant but cost a little more.

 

[BlkGS]

I was kinda wondering if the ACR would just kinda take care of it all. In theory it'd link the two banks when the solar charger was working as it would be over the voltage requirement. A 2 bank solar controller might be better though, a since the banks wouldn't be identical.

 

[lazergeek]

I was kinda wondering if the ACR would just kinda take care of it all. In theory it'd link the two banks when the solar charger was working as it would be over the voltage requirement. A 2 bank solar controller might be better though, a since the banks wouldn't be identical.

I have a newer boat with the DVSR and my solar charger is connected to the house battery. As soon as the sun comes out the DVSR engages parallel the batteries, Once the batteries are charged the solar charger will just apply float voltage to keep them full, the DVSR it still engaged for that.

Finding out what voltage your ACR engages at will tell you if it will work, most likly it will though.