Inside winter storage with solar panel

[Country Girl]

We have a 2021 Cedar Creek 38EL with factory installed solar panel on the roof. We want to store our camper inside our garage for the winter. The garage has 4 windows at the top of the wall, which are the same height as the top of the camper.

I've read that if you disconnect your batteries you also need to disconnect the panel from the solar controller. Is this a concern when stored indoors? I realize solar panels need direct sunlight but what about what is coming through the windows? Is it enough to harm the solar controller if it isn't disconnected? I guess we could cover the panel with a blanket.

Our other option is to leave the camper plugged in all winter. I've read that is only recommended if the converter is the proper model to trickle charge the batteries and not over charge them. Does anyone with the same model camper know if we have the proper converter to leave it plugged in all winter?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

We have a 2021 Cedar Creek 38EL with factory installed solar panel on the roof. We want to store our camper inside our garage for the winter. The garage has 4 windows at the top of the wall, which are the same height as the top of the camper.

I've read that if you disconnect your batteries you also need to disconnect the panel from the solar controller. Is this a concern when stored indoors? I realize solar panels need direct sunlight but what about what is coming through the windows? Is it enough to harm the solar controller if it isn't disconnected? I guess we could cover the panel with a blanket.

Our other option is to leave the camper plugged in all winter. I've read that is only recommended if the converter is the proper model to trickle charge the batteries and not over charge them. Does anyone with the same model camper know if we have the proper converter to leave it plugged in all winter?

Thanks for any help.

I'd opt for leaving the shore power connected and the battery switch ON if supplied. The converter will do its designed job and maintain the battery charge. Do check the electrolyte level in the battery(s) and add distilled water if needed. All should be good for the winter.

Bob

 

[Pels]

I have added a switch so I can disable the circuit from the solar panel to the charge controller. I just put a cover on my TT and the charge controller was getting enough light through it to register a voltage but nit enough to do any charging. My battery is always powering the propane detector so I disconnected the battery and brought it inside rather than having it run flat and become damaged.

 

[5picker]

I'd opt for leaving the shore power connected and the battery switch ON if supplied. The converter will do its designed job and maintain the battery charge. Do check the electrolyte level in the battery(s) and add distilled water if needed. All should be good for the winter.

Bob

X2
Plug it in, leave the battery switch on and the converter will maintain the battery(ies) just fine.

 

[timfromma]

If using LiFePO4 batteries keeping them charged is not necessary. You can plug your camper back in after winter and the batteries will charge right back up just fine.