Charge control connection (1 Viewer)

[Floridalil]

Help please,
Can a solar panel connected to a charge controller, just connect direct to leisure battery and not use the output connection on the control, leaving them vacant ? Like a stand alone charger.
Thanks
Barry

 

[Techno]

Connect battery to battery terminals then solar to solar terminals. End of

 

[Floridalil]

Thanks Techno, not sure if it was ok to connect this way as battery does not seem to be charging.

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[Techno]

Thanks Techno, not sure if it was ok to connect this way as battery does not seem to be charging.

What is the battery voltage in daylight?

 

[Floridalil]

18+ volts

 

[Techno]

That is not right, sounds like the regulator is not regulating. Should be between 13.4 and 14.4 as a guide

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[Floridalil]

Sorry that's the panel, battery is 12.2v but drops to 11.5 when turn light on.

 

[Techno]

Sorry that's the panel, battery is 12.2v but drops to 11.5 when turn light on.

Its not charging.
Panel voltage is low too unless it was cloudy

 

[Floridalil]

Thanks for help. Thought that may be the case.

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[Techno]

Is this a new install or previously worked?

 

[Floridalil]

Previously worked,so changed controller, still same prob.

 

[Techno]

The battery is very low, I'd avoid using it for anything but essentials until you fully recharge it.

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[Techno]

Have you checked the fuse?

 

[Floridalil]

Yep checked that, battery charges ok when on 230 hook up,perhaps solar panel faulty.

 

[Techno]

Panel in full Sun should be 21.7 ish

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[Floridalil]

Will check tomorrow if, we get any sun, in France at moment, not seen much for two days.
Thanks for help.
Barry

 

[Techno]

How big is the panel? if you've had day after day of cloud and rain it is likely the cause

 

[Floridalil]

120 watt

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[Floridalil]

Will check when/if we get some sun.
Appreciate you help with this.

 

[Stealaway]

Also check that all connections between the panel and charge controller are good. Check the panel voltage nearer the panel.
Is the panel clean?

 

[Floridalil]

Panel is clean, voltage as close as poss is 19.47v, sun here now. The control panel in van reads 12.1v ??

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[Techno]

What does it read at the regulator terminals

 

[WillH]

Just a thought but I think your battery may be done.

 

[Floridalil]

Yep good connections, voltage from panel 18.47v, in bright sunlight, panel in van reads 12.1v. When switch to mains volage to charge get 13+ v.Can't work it out

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[Floridalil]

2 new batteries last year.Voltage at reg 12.1v

 

[Techno]

Mains charger has a lot more power so the voltage you see on mains is the charger output
Are you absolutely sure polarity is correct ?
I would separate the batteries and try connected to one at a time and measure the voltage of each battery which should be the same

 

[Techno]

Btw 18.47 in bright sun is very poor

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[Floridalil]

Yep polarity correct, as working ok a week agk will try separating batteries. Not too worried at mo as on main hook up, just annoying.

 

[Floridalil]

Panel is clean and voltage still 18.4ish.

 

[Floridalil]

Many thanks everyone for your help, have lots of info now.
When I get home I will try another panel and check voltages.
Cheers Barry

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