Battery removal with solar

[mtdawg]

I am considering removing my batteries for the winter. My trailer is equipped with solar panels on the roof and I am wondering if I need to disconnect the solar panels from the controller prior to removing the batteries. I seem to remember when installing the panels that the batteries were supposed to be connected to the controller prior to connecting the panels. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Jim

[JimD]

I would disconnect the panels just for the reason you mentioned. They want the 12 volts connected to the controller BEFORE the panels are connected. I assume this is to prevent damaging the controller. I put a 20 amp fuse inline with my panels so it is an easy matter to pop the fuse out to disconnect.

[klassic]

You should have a fuse or breaker between the panels and the controller, and the same between the controller and battery.