Sargent eu500

[chrishl]

Hi just joined forum and have a technical query.
I have a Autotrail Mohawk 2014 with solar panels and Sargent EU500 controller. The batteries are (according to display panel) not charging, the volts on both leisure and vehicle battery are gradually dropping currently at 12v . The sun today was out in cloudless sky and the panel shows no solar output volts.

I checked behind control unit and panels were producing 12v which was flowing into and out of solar control unit and leisure battery is at 12v but control panel shows nothing is charging. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[GeoffnDee]

You could try Sargent technical support on 01482 678981 in the morning , they are normally very helpful . There is also a dealer settings manual for the EC500 in the resources section (page 2 ) of this forum that may help.

 

[autorouter]

I checked behind control unit and panels were producing 12v which was flowing into and out of solar control unit

How did you check this? Did you use a multimeter to measure the voltage, or did you use a test lamp to show voltage was present?

 

[Diabalo]

I have a 2013 Mohawk with the same set-up. With the sun out and the batteries charging you should be getting about 18v from the solar panels and about 14.2v output going into the batteries. Does it all work correctly on hook-up? The panel above the door can get a bit cranky sometimes so take the readings directly from the solar panel regulator and battery. If you need to reboot the panel above the door, prise the outside bezel off, undo the screws then unplug the lead for a minute or so then put it back together.

 

[chrishl]

Hi
Thank you for replies. I used a multimeter

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[tonka]

Hi
Thank you for replies. I used a multimeter

As Diablo stated, the voltage coming out of the panel should be higher and near the 20v mark. This then goes to the regulator built within the EC500 and out of that something like 13+v if it's actually charging in sunlight.
Based on it being a 2014 van, does it have original batteries ??
If so I would be suspecting they may be knackered. If you have 2 batteries then maybe try disconnecting one at a time and see what the result is. One may be gone and pulling the others down. If they are original and Banner then time for replacment.