Is there any risk of damage if an MPPT solar regulator is connected to solar panels, but not to the battery?
asked
Does a solar regulator need to be connected to a battery?
Always connect the battery before the panels. If already connected to panels, disconnect, leave for a while, connect the battery and check.
In short no, they can be powered up from the panel side. see FAQ 4
Longer answer it depends on what you are doing with it if not connecting to a battery
Less expensive mistakes occur when connected to the battery first. Reverse polarity and dumb shorts on the output are the number one killers of mppts.
Thanks.
@kevgermany The manual contains similar advice, but no explanation of the reason.
@Alexandra I have a switch to isolate the batteries, which I use when the vehicle is in storage over the winter and there isn't enough solar power to keep the batteries charged.
So no possibility of shorting or reverse polarity.
Sounds like it should be fine.
So you will be fine then. Since everything is wired up permanently. It is just the disconnect.
Unexpected Bms shutdowns happen in peoples systems and the mppt can handle that.
One is output voltage auto detect, another is over voltage inside the mppt. However the units are designed for LFP with a BMS and the BMS can disconnect the batteries to prevent overcharging. I'm probably overcautious.
The output voltage autodetect occurs the first time the unit is connected, and is stored indefinitely thereafter, according to the dealer.
