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Post by ctrout on Jan 13, 2016 20:38:06 GMT -8
I have 2 12v deep cycle 110AH AGM batteries with a single 100w Mono panel with charge controller (came as a kit on Amazon for around $200). I've had it hooked up for about two months now and have checked it several times to see how it is charging and to put it plainly, it isn't charging. The highest voltage that I have seen to date was at high noon, direct sun, no shadows, 12.48v as measured on a Fluke digital multimeter. I have seen as high as 22v open circuit voltage but as soon as I tie the panel to the charge controller, it only reads 12.48. MOST of the time, it reads about 11v.
I have the angle of the panel dialed in as near perfect as I can get it. What will happen if I order another panel? Am I just unable to get enough sun at my location during the winter months? I'm located in southern Idaho, just east of Boise.
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Post by spiderbob on Jan 13, 2016 22:10:47 GMT -8
You did not mention what kind and size controller you have
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Post by ctrout on Jan 14, 2016 6:07:06 GMT -8
It is the ppm controller that comes with the kit from Amazon. There wasn't really much info on it in the paperwork that came with it.
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Post by ctrout on Jan 14, 2016 6:08:09 GMT -8
that should have said pwm. Stupid autocorrect.
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Post by spiderbob on Jan 14, 2016 6:28:06 GMT -8
I can tell you charge controllers are the all important thing of your solar system. You should be looking for a charge controller that rates at a minimum of 20 amps. In my humble opinion, you need a better controller. that being said, I really need more info on the charger you have. Amp rating for one. I'm sure an administrator will come on soon and give you more info. In the meantime, if you have time, read up on chargers, they are the brains of your system.
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Post by Admin on Jan 14, 2016 8:27:58 GMT -8
Hello ctrout,
Can you please contact us at (909) 517-3598 so we can troubleshoot your controller. Thank you
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Post by ctrout on Jan 26, 2016 17:48:32 GMT -8
Just an update. I called Renogy as requested and they listened to the issues that I was having with my charge controller. They quickly agreed that there seemed to be a problem with the controller and immediately sent out a replacement. I got it yesterday and installed it. Now I just need for my day off to coincide with the presence of some sunshine so I can confirm the charge voltage with the Fluke meter.
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Post by ctrout on Feb 15, 2016 10:30:56 GMT -8
Another update. I'm losing patience with this system. The new controller showed up as I mentioned above. I have been troubleshooting again now for a few days as we have sunshine again finally on my day off. The panel is putting out over 21 volts until I hook it up to the controller. It drops again to less than 11 volts. I thought that surely the replacement controller could not be bad too but I asked a friend if I could borrow a spare controller that he had that one only shows about 10.8v as well. I believe that I have a bad panel.
Just getting into solar for the first time to run my ham shack and having a terrible first experience. I was planning on getting another panel at some point but I'm wondering now if it's worth the trouble. The other part of this experience that is troubling is that I have become the "solar guru" in my ham radio club because I am he first to dive this deeply into it. The entire club has been bugging me for ideas and help in getting started with their systems, converting our club repeaters to solar, and running our clubhouse on solar power but now I don't trust my own advice. I may give it one more shot with a new panel from a different company and see how that works. I'll check with Renogy when I get the chance to see if they have any suggestions for me or will replace this panel under warranty this late in the game.
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Post by Admin on Feb 15, 2016 10:51:11 GMT -8
Hello ctrout,
Are you able to measure the open circuit voltage and short circuit current of the panel. If you can measure these values we can determine if the panel is defective or not. Please contact us if you need help testing the panel.
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Post by trout on Feb 15, 2016 11:09:26 GMT -8
I have full sun right now and am available to troubleshoot. Can I call right now?
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Post by Admin on Feb 15, 2016 12:31:27 GMT -8
Hello,
Yes please contact us at (909) 517-3598.
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Post by ctrout on Feb 15, 2016 12:34:16 GMT -8
I did. I should be getting a return label soon for an exchange panel. I have the bad one boxed up and ready to go. I was getting less than 500 mA open circuit at high noon. Hopefully I will have a new panel in place within about two weeks.
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