EC480 panel

[Snowdude]

Hi I have an EC480 panel that keeps crashing when my solar panel (120 Watt) is connected to the Sargent unit EC500 via a 120W solar charger, this only happens when it’s really sunny which is not very often in the UK.

The other thing I have noticed is that the battery display on leisure and Van battery on the EC480 panel are fluctuating between 12v and 14 when the solar panel is connected which doesn’t seem right, also the solar display on the panel also fluctuates between 0 and 2amps.

is there a software upgrade for these panels that might be needed?

thanks in advance for any advice or
Possible fix.

Tony

 

[TCG]

Hi
Give sergeant a call on 01482678981. Their customer service is excellent...
I seem to remember that 100 watt is the maximum solar panel you can have controlled by the EC500... But I could. Be wrong

 

[GeoffnDee]

The EC500 will shut down with over voltage (15.5v ?) so I would suspect a faulty solar controller , which may be fitted on the rear of the EC500.

 

[autorouter]

The other thing I have noticed is that the battery display on leisure and Van battery on the EC480 panel are fluctuating between 12v and 14 when the solar panel is connected which doesn’t seem right, also the solar display on the panel also fluctuates between 0 and 2amps.

Does the voltage of the solar panel input fluctuate too? It might be a bad connection, or a fault inside the solar panel that shows up when it heats up.

 

[Snowdude]

Does the voltage of the solar panel input fluctuate too? It might be a bad connection, or a fault inside the solar panel that shows up when it heats up.

Yes the solar panel fluctuates all the time especially when it’s bright sunshine

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[Snowdude]

The EC500 will shut down with over voltage (15.5v ?) so I would suspect a faulty solar controller , which may be fitted on the rear of the EC500.

Yes could be is brand new solar controller but that’s not too say it’s faulty

 

[Snowdude]

Yes could be is brand new solar controller but that’s not too say it’s faulty

 

[GeoffnDee]

Yes the solar panel fluctuates all the time especially when it’s bright sunshine

As Autorouter has said as you have already replaced the controller,I think you need to check ,with a meter, that the solar panel output is correct and constant (about 20 volt ) to the controller and if faulty check all connections including any on the roof. Also when you replaced the controller did you connect the battery/EC500 to it first , before the the solar panel is connected, as this can be important for its correct operation

 

[tonka]

1. You don't need a separate solar controller on the EC500 it has one built in. All you need is a connecting lead, Sargent and other suppliers sell them. Using a separate one is maybe confusing it.

2. The fluctuations on the panel are normal. You get this once the batteries are full.