will 110v charger hurt solar controller?

[dado5]

I am planning to use a basic 110 v AC smart charger when at campgounds on my battery bank (2 6V run in series connected to 200 watt solar). Will this charge backflow (for lack of better terminology) into my solar charge controller and hurt it in anyway?

 

[Herbie]

I can't speak for every solar charge controller, but it shouldn't be a problem.

I do this almost daily. I have a Morningstar SS-6 controller from the solar panel (always on), and when parked in my driveway (any time I'm not on a trip), I also plug into an Iota IQ4/DLS-55(amp) charger.

Incidentally, I also have a T-Max controlled charging relay from the starter battery. The nice thing about this is that when either the solar or Iota is charging the house battery, the relay closes and it also charges the starter battery.

 

[NevetsG]

Some controllers have the ability to accept "shore" power, and some not. Mine doesn't, so I also have the same concern with 120-12V 20A power supply I'm going to add blowing the controller, or damaging the panels. To solve it, I have a simple on-off-on switch on order, so I can either push power from the panels or from the grid, but not both.

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

Some solar charge controllers do not like being attached to panels but not to the batteries. If you feel you must disconnect the charge controller disconnect the panels first.

 

[Fatboyz]

Dado, I'm planning the same set up as you and also had this same question. I'm planning to use a Xantrex charger inverter. When hooked to shore power my charger will be charging the batteries and I'm assuming the solar controller will read that as they're fully charged? I also have 200 watts of panels, but have room for a third 100 watt and would like a controller that can handle the additional output. What's everyones thoughts on a good controller?