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Old 08-30-2019, 02:38 PM   #1
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Solar Panel Disconnect/Isolation Switch?

The display panel in the solar controller (Go Power GP WM25) in my 2010 17B appears to be defunct. Tech support at Go Power suggests a hard reset, which involves disconnecting the input and output wires from the controller. I do not have anything which tells me if there is a disconnect/isolation switch between the panel and the controller. I am reluctant to just jump into the task without some assurance I will not be shocked due to the panel putting out current while I am working around the controller! Is there a switch as part of the installation, and where is it?

I suppose I could just cover the panel with a piece of cardboard, but there must be a better method.
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Old 08-30-2019, 02:46 PM   #2
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There is not an isolation switch for the solar system (I installed one last time I worked on mine). I would cover the solar panel and carefully disconnect the wires going to the controller. Then install an isolation switch, which is actually a simple inline breaker. Needs to be greater than the output of the panel.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01...b_b_asin_title
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Old 08-30-2019, 04:25 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CoolCampingKid View Post
There is not an isolation switch for the solar system (I installed one last time I worked on mine). I would cover the solar panel and carefully disconnect the wires going to the controller. Then install an isolation switch, which is actually a simple inline breaker. Needs to be greater than the output of the panel.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01...b_b_asin_title
I used this one on my installation. Mounts on a DIN rail.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 08-30-2019, 04:35 PM   #4
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A kill switch to rooftop mounted panels is a recommended practice. Not as necessary with portable panels but having portable I still chose to install one, as well as a second one between the batteries and solar controller.

Having those switches right next to each other act as a good reminder and makes testing and troubleshooting easier.

There is a second reason beside getting shocked. The sequence for turning on a solar system is to energize the controller first, then once it has gone through its start up sequence, turn on power from the PV panels. Shut down is the reverse, panel off first, then the controller.
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