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Post by kickapoo65 on Jun 20, 2016 8:39:50 GMT -8
I'm a noobie to the solar energy scene, so excuse any ignorance within my post. I recently bought the 100 watt suitcase to use with my travel trailer. I don't use much electricity when boon docking, but I wanted something to charge my two 12v batteries when they get low. Anyway, I bought a charge controller--suitcase came without one--hooked it up, and it's not registering any power from the panels. I checked the wires several times, and they are wired correctly, but still nothing. I opened up the boxes where the diodes are, and those connections look fine. Any suggestions? Did I receive a lemon solar suitcase, or am I the lemon? Thanks!
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Post by ulineer on Jul 1, 2016 5:49:11 GMT -8
use a volt meter to determine if the panel produce voltage.
some controllers have an internal fuse that can get blown, might need to open it up and look.
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Post by jsb2000 on Jul 1, 2016 7:31:28 GMT -8
Use the "divide and conquer" method:
First, disconnect the panels from the controller and measure their voltage in full sunlight. Are you getting the proper readings?
Then disconnect the batteries from the controller and measure their voltage. Is it correct? Is it above the minimum voltage necessary to drive the controller?
Then connect the batteries to the controller. This is important to do first, since the controller needs to set itself to work with the batteries. If you connect the solar to the controller first and the batteries afterwards, that may be why it isn't working properly. Anyway, the controller should indicate that the batteries are connected and ready to go. If not, then there's something wrong with the wiring or the controller itself.
Finally, connect the panels to the controller. The controller should indicate the presence of solar power and, if you have enough sunlight, should start charging the batteries. If not, then there's something wrong with the wiring, the controller, or the panels.
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Post by Admin on Jul 19, 2016 11:25:37 GMT -8
Hello,
JSB2000 brings up very valid consideration to check for. As stated previously disconnect the panels from the controller and measure their voltage sunlight and take note if the readings are as suggested on the spec sheet. Following this step disconnect the batteries from the controller and measure their voltage, also take note if it is above the minimum voltage to be recognized by the charge controller (around 11.0v). Then connect your batteries back to your charge controller and see if the LED light indicates the batteries being seen. Lastly you will want to connect the panels to the controller. The controller should identify the solar power and should start charging the batteries.
-RR
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