Temporary stop to solar panels charging house batteries
LyntonB said
12:42 PM Jan 7, 2023
I want to replace the two 100Ah AGM house batteries in my caravan. I can disconnect the CTEK charger from the batteries, but they would still be charged from 3 roof top solar panels via a 30 amp solar charge controller. I want to stop the panels from charging the batteries before I disconnect them for replacing. I have some black plastic which I will tape in place with gaffer tape. However, it seems like I will have to walk on the roof of the van to do this. My query is: can I walk on the roof of my 2009 Crusader Mk2 caravan? . Thank you for your advice, in anticipation. LyntonB
Mike Harding said
12:54 PM Jan 7, 2023
You'll probably receive better replies by posting this again in the "General" forum and with a much more specific subject line.
I strongly suggest you ask the manufacturers or their dealers this question and I really strongly suggest that if you decide to walk on the roof you use lightweight (pine?) load shedding planks.
---
I assume your panel array is "extra low voltage" ie. below 120V DC (iirc)? If so you can safely play with its connections at the controller end, just disconnect them one at a time and insulate the one then the other, providing they don't touch all will be good. You can mess with ELV systems with zero personal safety risk.
Edit: I suppose another option is that you could do it at night - seriously :)
-- Edited by Mike Harding on Saturday 7th of January 2023 01:18:47 PM
LyntonB said
03:33 PM Jan 7, 2023
Thanks Mike. If possible, I would like to avoid covering the panels. Yes, my panel array is ELV. I cannot disconnect the cables at the controller because the controller is behind a wall panel - only the fascia is displayed on the outside. Maybe I can disconnect the batteries safely if I insulate the terminals of the cables to the batteries to avoid them touching when disconnected. Or maybe I can remove a fuse on the positive cable coming from the controller. I have honestly thought of your suggestion of disconnecting the batteries at night, but can I leave the cables disconnected for a day or so if I insulate the positive and negative cables to prevent them from touching. BTW. I am resorting to consultation via this forum because the company which installed my solar panels has not responded to a couple of approaches I have made. I guess they want the business of replacing the batteries!
-- Edited by LyntonB on Saturday 7th of January 2023 03:34:28 PM
Cuppa said
03:40 PM Jan 7, 2023
LyntonB wrote:
I want to replace the two 100Ah AGM house batteries in my caravan. I can disconnect the CTEK charger from the batteries, but they would still be charged from 3 roof top solar panels via a 30 amp solar charge controller. I want to stop the panels from charging the batteries before I disconnect them for replacing. I have some black plastic which I will tape in place with gaffer tape. However, it seems like I will have to walk on the roof of the van to do this. My query is: can I walk on the roof of my 2009 Crusader Mk2 caravan? . Thank you for your advice, in anticipation. LyntonB
Assuming you have a 12v solar system.
Do you have some blankets you can throw over the panels, maybe using a pole or broom to push them into place if need be, to save having to walk on the roof. ie. something heavy enough to sit on the panels without being taped. I guess you would need a suitable step ladder, or be able to park somewhere next a high bank. Eg a stock loading race or the delivery area of a local supermarket. Even the back of a ute. Still good practice to wrap some insulating tape around each terminal as you remove them though.
LyntonB said
03:54 PM Jan 7, 2023
Thanks Cuppa. I think in the end I shall do something like this. Thanks again. Your and Mike's input highly valued!
Jaahn said
08:36 PM Jan 7, 2023
Would it be too obvious to say do the job at night when the panels will not be generating power. !
Jaahn
Radar said
07:24 AM Jan 8, 2023
LyntonB wrote:
Thanks Mike. If possible, I would like to avoid covering the panels. Yes, my panel array is ELV. I cannot disconnect the cables at the controller because the controller is behind a wall panel - only the fascia is displayed on the outside. Maybe I can disconnect the batteries safely if I insulate the terminals of the cables to the batteries to avoid them touching when disconnected. Or maybe I can remove a fuse on the positive cable coming from the controller. I have honestly thought of your suggestion of disconnecting the batteries at night, but can I leave the cables disconnected for a day or so if I insulate the positive and negative cables to prevent them from touching. BTW. I am resorting to consultation via this forum because the company which installed my solar panels has not responded to a couple of approaches I have made. I guess they want the business of replacing the batteries!
So this means when you need to replace the solar controller you throw the caravan away and buy another.
Surely you can get to the wires some how, what happens if you need to reset the controller, my laymans experience you disconnect the wires from the controller and reconnect the wires to do anything with your 12 volt dc electrical.
With our Voltech regulator, to disconnect, remove the earth wire to the battery first, replace last.
Have a good look at that panel.
Hylife said
09:19 PM Jan 8, 2023
If you have an industry standard solar controller, the connectionsare:- left two are solar, middle two are battery, right two are load control.
Just remove the positive on the solar connection first then feel free to go ahead and disconnect power to your battery charger and then remove the batteries last.
Always batteries are the first connection and the last disconnection.
LyntonB said
07:20 AM Jan 9, 2023
Thank you very much Hylife. My controller has only two connections: solar and battery. I guess your procedure still applies. Thanks again.
BAZZA44 said
06:42 PM Jan 10, 2023
All I do to isolate my panels is get a step ladder to reach the roof of van and then throw some old curtains over the panels. If wind is too strong I place some light timber carefully over the curtains.
Barry
Aus-Kiwi said
12:12 PM Jan 11, 2023
Early in the morning or late in evening? I have 3 way splitters no problem isolating. Its not like theres stored electricity like a battery !
LyntonB said
01:07 PM Jan 11, 2023
Thank you all for your advice. All were carefully considered.
In the end, I covered the roof of my van - and therefore the solar panels - with a canvas tarp over which I pulled a plastic tarp. A check of the controller showed that no power was being produced by the solar panels. Then I was able to disconnect the two house batteries and tape the four lots of cables with gaffer tape to avoid any contacts. The old batteries are now in my garage awaiting disposal.
Again thank you all for your input. I appreciated them all very much.
Stretch60 said
09:15 PM Jul 4, 2023
Whilst you are at replacing the batteries, fit a solar disconnect between the panels and the controller. So much easier when working on your system.
-- Edited by Stretch60 on Tuesday 4th of July 2023 09:23:34 PM
The original post was 6 months ago, but tips are always useful. I agree with Stretch about isolation switches - I have a switch for turning off the regulator too.
My tips, are:
there is no need to be pedantic about fully covering the panels. It does not take much shade on each panel to reduce the output to very low levels
when reconnecting the system always connect the regulator to the battery first, then connect the solar. This is to avoid damaging the regulator. Some may not be an issue but a sudden spike from connecting that solar while it is disconnected from the battery is a risk. When disconnecting I do solar first, then battery, although there is less risk with that.
Aus-Kiwi said
12:25 AM Jul 5, 2023
I just removed the terminals . Earth first . Then put a leather glove over the active / positive. Being a lineworker its second nature to me . Turned everything off inside . Disconnected solar cables first .
woolman said
08:48 AM Jul 27, 2023
There should be a switch before the controller to turn off solar charging.
Neil
Dick0 said
09:40 AM Jul 27, 2023
woolman wrote:
There should be a switch before the controller to turn off solar charging.
Neil
Yep, that's where the Solar Isolator switch should be. That is much better than throwing blankets over solar panels!
Burt65 said
04:57 PM Jul 9, 2025
Dick0 wrote:
woolman wrote:
There should be a switch before the controller to turn off solar charging.
Neil
Yep, that's where the Solar Isolator switch should be. That is much better than throwing blankets over solar panels!
It is also the law. There should be an isolation switch for every connection..
BarneyBDB said
07:42 PM Jul 9, 2025
What Law ???
TimTim said
09:21 PM Jul 9, 2025
x2?
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:13 PM Jul 9, 2025
Overload and short circuit protection of PV wiring is required as per the new version of "AS/NZS 3001.2 Electrical Installations", but is not retrospective.
Typically that is achieved using a circuit breaker.
Cheers,
Peter
TimTim said
02:18 PM Jul 10, 2025
Yes for residential and commercial installations but we are talking about ELV PV systems in caravans and mobile homes.
As I have shown in numerous links before, Australian Standards are not laws but they may be referenced in legislation.
So how about providing the link to the Act and Regulations that you are referencing for caravans and mobile homes. Provide the link to the Authority that controls the said Act and Regulations that you say that exist, and provide a link to the penalties that apply.
An isolation switch for the PV was not provided in my caravan when purchased nor in a friends caravan that was recently purchased so I would be interested in which laws were broken by the manufacturers
I installed two additional solar panels yesterday without an isolation switch, so again I would like to know which laws I have 'supposedly' broken.
Have a nice day
Peter_n_Margaret said
02:51 PM Jul 10, 2025
Tim, AS/NZS 3001.2 applies to "Transportable buildings" which includes any caravan or motorhome that can be connected to the 240V supply network.
I know that you beat this drum about Standards not being law, but if you, like most discerning buyers, refuse to purchase a caravan or motorhome without an electrical certificate, then your constant protestations about this are toothless because you won't get one unless it complies. Legislated, or not.
You can do as you please, as will others.
In the meantime, AS3001.2 requires circuit breakers on new PV installations on 99% of caravans and motorhomes.
Cheers,
Peter
TimTim said
07:32 PM Jul 10, 2025
Burt65 stated that an isolation switch was required by law then Barnaby Bob and myself questioned what law. Then you posted a reference to AS/NZ 3001.2 without posting a link to the legislation that calls up that Standard. Yet you know very well that VBS1 (Version 6) which is written under the Commonwealth Australian Design Rules and was amended in August last year, still calls up AS/NZ 3001:2008. There are no requirements for PV systems in that Standard.
'7.3 Other electrical systems Electrical installations on a trailer that are intended for connection to an AC power system other than that of the tow vehicle must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3001:2008 Electrical installations Transportable structures and vehicles including their site supplies.'
I go on about Australian Standards not being law because the simple fact they are not. They are documents that may be in part or wholly referenced by legislation. Again straight from the Standard Australia web page.
'Standards and the Law
On their own, standards are voluntary. There is no requirement for the public to comply with standards. However, State and Commonwealth governments often refer to Australian Standards® (AS) or joint Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) in their legislation.
When this happens, these standards can become mandatory.'
So now that you can't back up your 'law' post with the relevant link to legislation you now start the scaremongering about not getting an electrical certificates when in fact I have one and my friend has one as well. And before you say they aren't worth the paper they are written on, they are because they refer to the appropriate Australian Standards.
At the end of the day it up to each individual what they do, whether it be adding more solar panels or installing LifePO4 batteries, but when people says something is law then at least post the link to support their claim.
Have a nice day
-- Edited by TimTim on Thursday 10th of July 2025 07:45:57 PM
Peter_n_Margaret said
09:58 PM Jul 10, 2025
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
You can do as you please, as will others.
Cheers,
Peter
Dick0 said
11:47 AM Jul 11, 2025
I too would like to see the links to the claimed "Laws".
So many times forum experts here refer to the "Law" but are unable to provide a link to the "Law".
It may be more often only a thought bubble.
Burt65 said
11:16 AM Jul 13, 2025
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
Overload and short circuit protection of PV wiring is required as per the new version of "AS/NZS 3001.2 Electrical Installations", but is not retrospective. Typically that is achieved using a circuit breaker. Cheers, Peter
You are 100% correct. And this also DO apply to RV..
Perhaps I used the wrong term. Instead of Law, I should have said "to make it Legal".
If the qualified installer doesn't want to lose his/her licence and if in the event of a fire, you want to get paid, then the Circuit breaker SHALL be there!
Unfortunately, all the new standard included in the AS?NZS 5033:2021 are not optional for professional installer of solar system in RV, they are actually enforced.
Off course if you do your own installation you can do as you wish, unless the vehicle has to be re-registered as a motorhome (as in a new conversion), in which case the electrician will have to confirm that you have circuit breakers for your solar installation. There is no escape, unless the electrician is a moron and he doesn't know the latest requirements..
As per VSG5 - Converting a vehicle into a motorhome page 6:
Page 6 of 9 201603-0305 Vehicle Standards Guide 5 Converting a vehicle into a motorhome www.nhvr.gov.au Electrical Where electrical systems are capable of being connected to mains electricity, electrical installations and connections must be carried out by a licensed electrician and the motorhome must contain an Electrical Safety Certificate showing compliance with Australian Standards AS/NZS3000 and AS/NZS3001. All other electrical wiring must be done in accordance with the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation, Schedule 2, Part 2, Section 17. If you are installing a solar panel or solar generated electricity you will need to comply with the Australian Standard AS/NZ 5033. The NHVR recommends you engage the services of a licensed electrician to do this.
I didn't mean to start an argument by using the word law, but the fact is that, you should have circuit breakers to make your own installation safer and up to the latest standard..
-- Edited by Burt65 on Sunday 13th of July 2025 11:24:11 AM
-- Edited by Burt65 on Sunday 13th of July 2025 11:38:48 AM
-- Edited by Burt65 on Sunday 13th of July 2025 11:48:11 AM
BarneyBDB said
06:50 PM Jul 13, 2025
The fact is that the latest standards are not retrospective and there is nothing to compell us to conform to them.
Burt65 said
08:09 AM Jul 14, 2025
BarneyBDB wrote:
The fact is that the latest standards are not retrospective and there is nothing to compell us to conform to them.
"Nothing" other than common sense..
TimTim said
09:23 PM Jul 15, 2025
Burt65 wrote:
BarneyBDB wrote:
The fact is that the latest standards are not retrospective and there is nothing to compell us to conform to them.
"Nothing" other than common sense..
lol nice one. Then I hope that you upgraded any house, pool and many other things in your life because many Australian Standards and the Building Code of Australia are continually changing.
I want to replace the two 100Ah AGM house batteries in my caravan. I can disconnect the CTEK charger from the batteries, but they would still be charged from 3 roof top solar panels via a 30 amp solar charge controller. I want to stop the panels from charging the batteries before I disconnect them for replacing. I have some black plastic which I will tape in place with gaffer tape. However, it seems like I will have to walk on the roof of the van to do this. My query is: can I walk on the roof of my 2009 Crusader Mk2 caravan?
. Thank you for your advice, in anticipation. LyntonB
You'll probably receive better replies by posting this again in the "General" forum and with a much more specific subject line.
I strongly suggest you ask the manufacturers or their dealers this question and I really strongly suggest that if you decide to walk on the roof you use lightweight (pine?) load shedding planks.
---
I assume your panel array is "extra low voltage" ie. below 120V DC (iirc)? If so you can safely play with its connections at the controller end, just disconnect them one at a time and insulate the one then the other, providing they don't touch all will be good. You can mess with ELV systems with zero personal safety risk.
Edit: I suppose another option is that you could do it at night - seriously :)
-- Edited by Mike Harding on Saturday 7th of January 2023 01:18:47 PM
Thanks Mike. If possible, I would like to avoid covering the panels. Yes, my panel array is ELV. I cannot disconnect the cables at the controller because the controller is behind a wall panel - only the fascia is displayed on the outside. Maybe I can disconnect the batteries safely if I insulate the terminals of the cables to the batteries to avoid them touching when disconnected. Or maybe I can remove a fuse on the positive cable coming from the controller. I have honestly thought of your suggestion of disconnecting the batteries at night, but can I leave the cables disconnected for a day or so if I insulate the positive and negative cables to prevent them from touching.
BTW. I am resorting to consultation via this forum because the company which installed my solar panels has not responded to a couple of approaches I have made. I guess they want the business of replacing the batteries!
-- Edited by LyntonB on Saturday 7th of January 2023 03:34:28 PM
Assuming you have a 12v solar system.
Do you have some blankets you can throw over the panels, maybe using a pole or broom to push them into place if need be, to save having to walk on the roof. ie. something heavy enough to sit on the panels without being taped. I guess you would need a suitable step ladder, or be able to park somewhere next a high bank. Eg a stock loading race or the delivery area of a local supermarket. Even the back of a ute. Still good practice to wrap some insulating tape around each terminal as you remove them though.
Would it be too obvious to say do the job at night when the panels will not be generating power. !
Jaahn
So this means when you need to replace the solar controller you throw the caravan away and buy another.
Surely you can get to the wires some how, what happens if you need to reset the controller, my laymans experience you disconnect the wires from the controller and reconnect the wires to do anything with your 12 volt dc electrical.
With our Voltech regulator, to disconnect, remove the earth wire to the battery first, replace last.
Have a good look at that panel.
Just remove the positive on the solar connection first then feel free to go ahead and disconnect power to your battery charger and then remove the batteries last.
Always batteries are the first connection and the last disconnection.
Thank you very much Hylife. My controller has only two connections: solar and battery. I guess your procedure still applies. Thanks again.
Barry
Thank you all for your advice. All were carefully considered.
In the end, I covered the roof of my van - and therefore the solar panels - with a canvas tarp over which I pulled a plastic tarp. A check of the controller showed that no power was being produced by the solar panels. Then I was able to disconnect the two house batteries and tape the four lots of cables with gaffer tape to avoid any contacts. The old batteries are now in my garage awaiting disposal.
Again thank you all for your input. I appreciated them all very much.
-- Edited by Stretch60 on Tuesday 4th of July 2023 09:23:34 PM
The original post was 6 months ago, but tips are always useful. I agree with Stretch about isolation switches - I have a switch for turning off the regulator too.
My tips, are:
There should be a switch before the controller to turn off solar charging.
Neil
Yep, that's where the Solar Isolator switch should be. That is much better than throwing blankets over solar panels!
It is also the law. There should be an isolation switch for every connection..
x2?
Typically that is achieved using a circuit breaker.
Cheers,
Peter
Yes for residential and commercial installations but we are talking about ELV PV systems in caravans and mobile homes.
As I have shown in numerous links before, Australian Standards are not laws but they may be referenced in legislation.
So how about providing the link to the Act and Regulations that you are referencing for caravans and mobile homes. Provide the link to the Authority that controls the said Act and Regulations that you say that exist, and provide a link to the penalties that apply.
An isolation switch for the PV was not provided in my caravan when purchased nor in a friends caravan that was recently purchased so I would be interested in which laws were broken by the manufacturers
I installed two additional solar panels yesterday without an isolation switch, so again I would like to know which laws I have 'supposedly' broken.
Have a nice day
I know that you beat this drum about Standards not being law, but if you, like most discerning buyers, refuse to purchase a caravan or motorhome without an electrical certificate, then your constant protestations about this are toothless because you won't get one unless it complies. Legislated, or not.
You can do as you please, as will others.
In the meantime, AS3001.2 requires circuit breakers on new PV installations on 99% of caravans and motorhomes.
Cheers,
Peter
Burt65 stated that an isolation switch was required by law then Barnaby Bob and myself questioned what law. Then you posted a reference to AS/NZ 3001.2 without posting a link to the legislation that calls up that Standard. Yet you know very well that VBS1 (Version 6) which is written under the Commonwealth Australian Design Rules and was amended in August last year, still calls up AS/NZ 3001:2008. There are no requirements for PV systems in that Standard.
'7.3 Other electrical systems
Electrical installations on a trailer that are intended for connection to an AC power system other than that of the tow
vehicle must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3001:2008 Electrical installations Transportable structures and
vehicles including their site supplies.'
I go on about Australian Standards not being law because the simple fact they are not. They are documents that may be in part or wholly referenced by legislation. Again straight from the Standard Australia web page.
'Standards and the Law
On their own, standards are voluntary. There is no requirement for the public to comply with standards. However, State and Commonwealth governments often refer to Australian Standards® (AS) or joint Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS) in their legislation.
When this happens, these standards can become mandatory.'
So now that you can't back up your 'law' post with the relevant link to legislation you now start the scaremongering about not getting an electrical certificates when in fact I have one and my friend has one as well. And before you say they aren't worth the paper they are written on, they are because they refer to the appropriate Australian Standards.
At the end of the day it up to each individual what they do, whether it be adding more solar panels or installing LifePO4 batteries, but when people says something is law then at least post the link to support their claim.
Have a nice day
-- Edited by TimTim on Thursday 10th of July 2025 07:45:57 PM
Cheers,
Peter
I too would like to see the links to the claimed "Laws".
So many times forum experts here refer to the "Law" but are unable to provide a link to the "Law".
It may be more often only a thought bubble.
You are 100% correct. And this also DO apply to RV..
Perhaps I used the wrong term. Instead of Law, I should have said "to make it Legal".
If the qualified installer doesn't want to lose his/her licence and if in the event of a fire, you want to get paid, then the Circuit breaker SHALL be there!
https://www.caravanrvcamping.com.au/new-caravan-industry-electrical-standards-november-2023
https://www.redarcelectronics.com/au/discover/new-caravan-standards/
https://lifepo4.com.au/as-nzs3001-22022-electrical-system-safety-in-rvs-caravans-motor-homes-and-camper-trailers/
Unfortunately, all the new standard included in the AS?NZS 5033:2021 are not optional for professional installer of solar system in RV, they are actually enforced.
Off course if you do your own installation you can do as you wish, unless the vehicle has to be re-registered as a motorhome (as in a new conversion), in which case the electrician will have to confirm that you have circuit breakers for your solar installation. There is no escape, unless the electrician is a moron and he doesn't know the latest requirements..
As per VSG5 - Converting a vehicle into a motorhome page 6:
Page 6 of 9 201603-0305 Vehicle Standards Guide 5 Converting a vehicle into a motorhome
www.nhvr.gov.au
Electrical
Where electrical systems are capable of being connected to mains electricity, electrical installations and connections
must be carried out by a licensed electrician and the motorhome must contain an Electrical Safety Certificate
showing compliance with Australian Standards AS/NZS3000 and AS/NZS3001. All other electrical wiring must be
done in accordance with the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation, Schedule 2, Part 2, Section 17.
If you are installing a solar panel or solar generated electricity you will need to comply with the Australian Standard
AS/NZ 5033. The NHVR recommends you engage the services of a licensed electrician to do this.
I didn't mean to start an argument by using the word law, but the fact is that, you should have circuit breakers to make your own installation safer and up to the latest standard..
-- Edited by Burt65 on Sunday 13th of July 2025 11:24:11 AM
-- Edited by Burt65 on Sunday 13th of July 2025 11:38:48 AM
-- Edited by Burt65 on Sunday 13th of July 2025 11:48:11 AM
"Nothing" other than common sense..
lol nice one. Then I hope that you upgraded any house, pool and many other things in your life because many Australian Standards and the Building Code of Australia are continually changing.