Batteries not charging on solar (1 Viewer)

Nov 28, 2010
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Hi, can any one help? I have two solar panels fitted but they are not charging the leisure batteries the van is a Hymer 660 2005 fitted with a EBL 101 control block, when I remove the plug from the solar regulator and put the meter on I am getting 14.2v coming out of it. when I replace the plug the DT201 panel over the door reads minus 0.4amp [new batteries fitted], if I go onto EHU or run the engine the panel shows plus 5.5 amp, any advice appreciated and does anyone have a user manual for the EBL 101
Thanks Mickymouse
 
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Is fuse intact? Are you using a shault controller?

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JeanLuc

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Rather than removing a plug to test the solar voltage, have you tried putting your meter across the leisure battery terminals when the sun is shining, to check what they are receiving? It could be that the charge displayed by the DT201 is incorrect.
I am not sure from your post, exactly which plug you have pulled to test the solar voltage. If it was between the regulator and the EBL (or leisure batteries if it is wired direct) this is not a good plan as it can cause the solar regulator to fail. The link between regulator and battery(ies) needs to be kept so the output from the regulator has somewhere to go.
Is the problem recent and has everything worked properly in the past or is this a long-standing issue?
 

mid4did

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Is the solar control box wired through the elektroblock or independant? Only saying as mine was independant and I had the same problem which turned out to be the elektroblock,not saying yours is though.I sent mine back to schaudt in germany for repair.I've attached the hymer manual for 2005 models elektroblock info etc starts around page 114
 

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Apr 27, 2008
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The open circuit voltage from the panel should be much higher than 14.4v with a bit of sunshine. As above do not disconnect the batteries from the regulator without first disconnecting the solar panel.
To test, you don't need to disconnect anything. Your battery voltage should be over 12.8v (may be as much as 14.4v) with the sun shining, measured at the leisure battery, if there is some charging. Control panel voltage/current readings aren't always very accurate, mine are out by around 0.2v but OK as a guide.

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mickymouse
Nov 28, 2010
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Many thanks for the replies, suggestions and manuals.
The problem is new, the DT 201 appears to be OK as then putting meter across batteries they are not being charged, the solar regulator is wired into the EBL 101.
I am thinking of wiring the solar regulator directly onto the batteries, is this Ok? And do I need to put a fuse inline? If so what size?
Thanks Mickymouse
 

JeanLuc

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Not a good idea to wire directly to the batteries. This can cause problems with the EBL101/DT201 combination. Do you have a Schaudt regulator as a 'foreign' model can cause trouble too. If there is no solar voltage at the batteries, it suggests the regulator may have a fault. Also, have you got the manual for the DT201 as it contains some warnings about the solar setting.

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mickymouse
Nov 28, 2010
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I will have to check tomorrow which make of regulator is fitted, and no I don't have a manual for the DT201.
 

JeanLuc

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Here is the manual - I was going to point you to the Schaudt website download section, but it's quicker just to upload it here. Good point by Boringfrog to check the solar fuse on the EBL. If it has blown it begs the question 'why' of course.
n.b. I don't have this system so cannot comment from direct experience - mine is the earlier EBL99 / IT992 panel and is fed by a Schaudt LR1218 solar regulator.

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mickymouse
Nov 28, 2010
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Van has a Schaudt LR 1214 solar regulator, put the meter across the battery terminals definitely not charging and plenty of sun.
Removed solar panel leads and reading 20.5v coming from panels. With solar panel leads remove and putting meter across the leads going from the regulator to the EBL101 reading is 12.7v same as I get when I measure across the batteries?
I think the regulator is faulty.
 

Techno

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You need the regulator instructions as the wires need to be connected in specific order as dictated by schaudt

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mickymouse
Nov 28, 2010
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You need the regulator instructions as the wires need to be connected in specific order as dictated by schaudt[/QUOTE
Hi Techno, where did you get this info from as I am unable to find any manuals etc regarding the LR1214 solar regulator,
Mickymouse
 

mid4did

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JeanLuc

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LR1214 was superseded by LR1218 - the principal difference being the latter's higher current capacity (18 amps versus 14 amps).
The issue of order of cable connection is to do with connecting the solar panel to the LR1218/14. The installation instructions state: "Finally, connect the solar modules to the solar charge regulator". In other words, all other cables must be connected first and the +ve from the solar panel to the regulator connected last. Similarly, if disconnecting, the +ve from the solar panel to the regulator must be disconnected first.

Based on your assessment and earlier comments, I too would suspect that the LR1214 is faulty. My recommendation would be to email Udo lang at Schaudt explaining exactly what you have observed and ask him for advice. Udo.Lang@schaudt-gmbh.de
 

Techno

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I'd recommend an upgrade to the LRM 1218 if it wasn't £150 upwards :eek:
They know how to charge! pardon the pun
 
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mickymouse
Nov 28, 2010
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LR1214 was superseded by LR1218 - the principal difference being the latter's higher current capacity (18 amps versus 14 amps).
The issue of order of cable connection is to do with connecting the solar panel to the LR1218/14. The installation instructions state: "Finally, connect the solar modules to the solar charge regulator". In other words, all other cables must be connected first and the +ve from the solar panel to the regulator connected last. Similarly, if disconnecting, the +ve from the solar panel to the regulator must be disconnected first.

Based on your assessment and earlier comments, I too would suspect that the LR1214 is faulty. My recommendation would be to email Udo lang at Schaudt explaining exactly what you have observed and ask him for advice. Udo.Lang@schaudt-gmbh.de
Thanks , I have sent a email to Udo.Lang and explained what I have observed and I am awaiting a reply
 

JeanLuc

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A&N are selling the LRM1218 at £139 + p&p currently. It's also worth asking Schaudt for a price - I'm not sure if they sell new complete units to the public, but I have bought components from them as well as repairs.

Having said that, I'm quite happy with the LR1218 which works well for me with a 130 watt panel. The LR1218 is available for around £70.

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mid4did

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that price seemed excessive,mine cost £73.90 last year,still same price from their ebay shop:
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mickymouse
Nov 28, 2010
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Thanks to al those that gave me advice etc this is the reply I got from Schaudt,

Please check the solar-fuse at the EBL if the fuse is ok.
When the solar-charger charges the battery the voltage level will drop down from the level without load.
The panel should deliver a voltage level when the sun is shining between 16...25V.
You can try to put a 2A 12V bulb between the solar plus and minus. When the bulb is shining, the solar-cell is ok.
If the voltage level drops down, the cell is defect.
If the cell delivers the energy correctly, I would exchange the solar-charger into the LR 1218.

Having checked panels as advised and found them to be working I reconnected wires and lo and behold all working OK and batteries charging on solar, so wil monitor for a couple of days and hope all is well.
 

JeanLuc

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You probably know this but in case not, when the batteries are fully charged and the sun is shining, you will not see any charging current going into the batteries, but the voltage will be around 14.4v as shown on the control panel. Once the sun has set, and assuming you are not using any 12v power consumers, the panel will show around 13v as there is no longer any 'trickle' from the LR1214.
 
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mickymouse
Nov 28, 2010
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Regulator stopped working again so I bit the bullet and contacted Brownhills Newark and they sent a new LR1218 complete with the different wiring harnesses and tracked postage to Spain total cost £78.61 and a big thank you for the excellent service I received from Mick Bailey in Brownhills parts department.
New regulator now fitted and working
Mickymouse

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