Help please. Is my solar working???

[MickJ]

Just got my first campervan, and it has a flexible solar panel on the roof (100w I think). Inside the camper is a VOTRONIC SR100 Digital Regulator (picture below) but I know nothing about how this works etc. so any advice please.
I don't know if my solar is working and don't know how to test. I have put a multi meter across the 2 terminal for the battery * & - and got a reading of 13.5volts but when I do the same on the 2 solar terminals I can't get a reading at all. Should I get a voltage reading there?
Also the 2 led lights on the right of the regulator don't appear to be lit . Again should they be?
The only battery meter I have inside the camper is a analogue volt meter which reads around 12v so how can I tell if my leisure battery is good bad or indifferent?
Thanks for any help

 

[68c]

No voltage at the Votronic input terminals would suggest the panel is no good. However, there may be an inline fuse from the solar panel, somewhere along the input line. It is also possible there is a switch in that line fitted by the previous owner.
One has to be carefull to connect the battery to the controller before the solar panel or the the controller may get damaged. Some folk fit a switch so there is no problem should they wish to disconnect the battery.

 

[Reallyretired]

If the battery shows 13.5V it is getting a charge from somewhere. Assuming youre not on hookup it looks like your solar is working.

 

[MickJ]

Sorry I've confused you thje 13.5 v was when on hookup, when not on hookup i get a read of 12v

 

[TerryL]

That would confirm then that your onboard charger is working but apparently not the solar.

Not familiar with the Votronic but I'd expect to see at least one of the indicator lights working, even if the solar panel is "off".

As you profess not to be particularly "au fait" with the electronics IMO safer to get a suitably qualified leccie to have a look rather than risk (further) damage. No disrespect of course to the more knowledgable folk on here trying to help.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Driventemple]

If the sun is shining and the panel is not in shade you should get a voltage of at least 17 - 18v depending on the size of the panel. If no reading at all then this suggests an open circuit (broken lead?)or faulty panel.

 

[Stealaway]

As above
Measure the voltage coming into the regulator - should be around 20V DC
Measure the voltage at the panel or trace the wires all the way from the panel.

 

[autorouter]

Not much to add that hasn't already been said. If you for some reason disconnect the wires or pull out the fuse, there is a simple but important procedure for reconnecting. See 'Startup:' on page 2 of the manual.

 

[MickJ]

Thank you for your help