AC500 off grid RV - 3000W solar - question when not there!

Product Discussion BLUETTI AC Series
1

This may be a stupid question but I want to make sure Im doing the right thing. have had my system for 2 years , recently upgraded to to 3 batts, we don’t live off grid so come and go, when we leave I turn the system off,
to turn it off completely I have to unplug the solar from the AC500 head unit then shut down
is this acceptable?
It will not shut down with solar running to it, should I also cover my panels?
just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing when you spend this kind of money you want to do it right

appreciate any advice

2

Unplug the PV cables from the AC500.

SOC of the batteries should be around 80%.

Unlock the P150D Battery Expansion Cables at the AC500.

There is no need to cover the panels as to make it storm proof might be not easy. If you do it, the live span of the panels will be increased.

3

@jsrore

Correct. There’s no way to turn off the machine while it’s charging.

The machine will not shut off when charging with PV, and there will still be voltage even if the panel is covered. Once the voltage is reached, the machine will be activated, so it’s better to just unplug the charging cable directly.

4

thanks, I think I will also invest in a PV disconnect better to be safe then sorry.

appreciate the advice , learning everyday .

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5

When you say you come and go, how long are you away for at a time? I have an AC300 with 4 B300 batteries. I also have 3,000 watts of solar connected, and while I’m not off grid either, I do continuously power my 2 freezers, 2 fridges, house water pump (120 volt), and internet equipment. We do frequently leave the home unattended for hours, but not necessarily for a full day or more. My system has also been running for almost 2 years in this fashion.

I do have disconnect switches on my solar arrays, and that is mainly for maintenance purposes, as the DC current coming from the panels would cause arcing if I tried to unplug the MC4 connectors while charging was ongoing.

If you want to turn it off then I would agree you should get disconnects for your panels (make sure they’re for DC current, and not traditional AC circuit breakers – those cannot handle the DC arcing). I will include a picture of what I’ve used. And just FYI, I have never covered my solar panels, but I have turned them off on occasion.

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Breakers: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BR7SNYW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Box: Amazon.com

6

thanks great information, we are gone some times for weeks at a time it makes me nervous to leave it on and plugged in when not there, and yes I just did order almost the same set up you have from Amazon , appreciate the advice…thanks…

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