Van with built in generator. New solar install = broken generator

[Sasnak]

Hello, I have a camper van that has a Onan 2800 generator that worked great until I installed solar panels.

Now the generator runs but won’t provide electric charge. If I put a load on it like a space heater nothing happens.

I did a ton of reading on solar and it looks like I didn’t consider the proper way of gen+solar install.

The solar is 2-100 renogy eclipse panels with a rover charge controller. I have 2 Xtreme group 27 battery’s wired in parallel. 
 The positive for the generator is on the same battery terminal as the solar.

I flipped the breakers on the generator and checked the fuse. When I turn the generator on I can hear a really click once like normal but no juice.

 

[Sasnak]

I went through all the breakers again and it works now!

Just for my piece of mind is there a special thing I need to install for a gas generator to work with solar panels?

 

[B and C]

I think you might have a coincidence. The generator only uses 12v power to start, it doesn't charge the battery through that cable. The generator charges the house battery by supplying 120v ac to the converter (in your power center) that in turn charges the house battery. Shore power does the same thing. Also check the breakers in your power center by turning them off and then back on.

 

[ByeBye]

"Like" to B and C

 

[B and C]

:thumbsup:

Edit to add: I was replying while the OP was posting.

 

[Sasnak]

Thanks for your reply