Solar: MPPT working with converter?

[Rail_Dawg]

If my rigs converter handles the shore power/generator charging the battery what’s the best way to tie in the MPPT/solar?

A bus bar should do the trick right?

Was curious how it works with shore power plugged in and the solar providing power at the same time.

Thanks.

[Rail_Dawg]

Almot wrote:
I'm having deja vu. In your other thread 3 days ago, you asked and got answers to these very questions.

So here it is again:
Controller works all the time, it doesn't interfere with other charging sources.
Connecting components can be done using buss bars and breakers.
Small portable systems can be tied in without buss bars.

You are welcome 😉

Unfortunately there was some conflicting info in that thread.

So I rephrased the question and got the answers I needed to move forward.

Don’t want to make any mistakes as they could be costly ones... and dangerous!

Thanks though for repeating your input. It makes sense.

[Crabbypatty]

The MPPT will sense that the batts are being charged and or state of charge and will adjust its rate of charge. My solar is on along with being plugged into shore power. Morning Star Controller.

[Almot]

I'm having deja vu. In your other thread 3 days ago, you asked and got answers to these very questions.

So here it is again:
Controller works all the time, it doesn't interfere with other charging sources.
Connecting components can be done using buss bars and breakers.
Small portable systems can be tied in without buss bars.

You are welcome 😉

[Lwiddis]

We are all learning, Rail.

[Rail_Dawg]

Great answers!

I know the questions seem basic but there's a learning curve here and you're all very helpful.

[Ski_Pro_3]

When multiple sources for DC feed a load, (your battery), the one that actually supplies the current to charge the battery is the one that is the larger or higher voltage. Even as little as .01 volt is enough to make that source the draw for charging. This is Ohm's Law in action.

Ever wonder how a home's AC solar is selected over the power company's AC? Because the solar senses the power company's voltage and makes it's voltage a little more, so the load, house, draws from the solar and not the power company. It's the same with your DC solar and the AC powered charger in your RV. Some alternators are able to also charge a RV's batteries and it's the same deal; the one with the highest voltage will feed the load.

[red31]

Rail Dawg wrote:
what’s the best way to tie in the MPPT/solar?

Controller as close to battery as possible otherwise use voltage sense wire. Use appropriate sized wire. Fuse/breaker for smaller of max controller amps or wire size.

[MDKMDK]

Not sure about using a bus bar, but this link to FAQs about charge controllers might shed some light (pun intended).
See "Do I have to shut off the..."
https://amsolar.com/diy-rv-solar-instructions/edfaq/

[2oldman]

Only the gauges will tell if they're both working. Chances are they will play together just fine.

[time2roll]

Just connect the controller direct to the battery or the bus. Multiple charging sources do not create any issues. The alternator may come into play at some point also and still no issue.