My first post to the community.
I have recently decided to add some solar panels to my narrowboat as I’d like to reduce the time spent running my engine to charge my batteries on days we don’t cruise. I’m slowly getting my head around the job but a lingering question remains which probably sounds pretty basic but I’m going to ask it anyway rather than regret it later!
The current setup I have is a little unusual. It was fitted to the boat by Beta Marine when it was built in 2004 and consists of a Phoenix Multi Compact 12/1600/70 and an Electrolux Travel Power 240v Generator. When cruising I switch to ‘generator’ via a selector switch and the batteries are charged via the Phoenix in much the same way as if I was hooked up to shore power. I also have a separate Victron remote panel which I use to control and monitor the Phoenix with the usual bulk, absorption and float indicators.
I plan to add a Smartsolar MPPT 100/30 controller to the setup - so far so good. My question however is how this will work alongside the existing Phoenix Multi Compact. When I’m cruising or hooked up to a shore line both devices will essentially be charging the batteries independently. Will this not cause a conflict between them and result in various problems? I had kind of imagined there would need to be a physical wired connection between the devices so they could talk to one another but that doesn’t seem to be the case?
That’s it pretty much it. I said it was a daft question but it’s bugging me so perhaps someone can help.
