Solar panel disconnection

[David and Sally]

Hi
The solar panel and controller seem to be over voltaging ( sure that is not a real,word) my caravan battery. I have changed the settings but still doing it.

As the sun is out longer these days I have disconnected the panel from the controller and the battery from the controller.

As the panel is still on the roof is that going to get damaged not being able to send it’s volts anywhere?

Thanks

 

[Jev88]

Please explain Over Voltaging?

 

[David and Sally]

The main control panel in the caravan keeps displaying a message saying Leisure Battery Over Voltage when I have left it for a few days but not on EHU. The battery is being charged to about 14.8v which is too high for a lead acid type. I think.

The controller is made by Truma so whilst I decide what to do I have disconnected the solar panel.

 

[denisejoe]

It just a full battery check the battery with a multi meter

 

[David and Sally]

It just a full battery check the battery with a multi meter

I did. The voltage on the display panel pretty well matches a meter across the battery terminals.

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[Lenny HB]

Panels will be OK disconnected.
I've seen that problem with those controllers before.

 

[David and Sally]

So, given I am in for a new controller, please recommend one.

One leisure battery only. Lead acid only . Battery is efb type.

Thanks for your help all.

 

[royandsharont]

What model controller was installed

 

[David and Sally]

Truma SDC10/20

 

[Terry]

Mppt cheapest 30 amp I can find on Amazon next day is £24 then upwards to £250. Your decision how much you want to pay, but with one battery you don’t need to pay a fortuneIf you want very good then anything by Victron but it will cost. I would wire the solar controller straight to the battery

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[David and Sally]

I don’t mind cost if it means the right thing. I see Victron spoken about all over this forum so I’ll check them out. Thanks

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

If you put in a fused connection just prior to the controller ,the next time you want to disconnect it ,it takes less than a minute to pull the fuse or pop it back in.
Amazon product ASIN B00904N85G

 

[Terry]

I have had a cheap £ 15 controller working on a solar panel and single battery working trouble free for 5 years no problem ( not on van )

 

[David and Sally]

Sorry about another question. Assuming 100w solar and 100ah battery, what rating do I need for a controller? 10ams, 20 amp etc

Thanks

 

[Stealaway]

Sorry about another question. Assuming 100w solar and 100ah battery, what rating do I need for a controller? 10ams, 20 amp etc

Thanks

10 Amps will be fine but I would definitely buy a dual battery controller if you change it.
I've used the cheap and cheerful ones for years without any problems
I fitted a fuse breaker so I can isolate the panels if need be
The panels will come to no harm being switched of.

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[David and Sally]

I only have a single battery. No plans for a second.
Thanks

 

[Stealaway]

I only have a single battery. No plans for a second.
Thanks

It will also charge your starter battery - especially useful during the winter

 

[David and Sally]

It will also charge your starter battery - especially useful during the winter

It’s in a caravan. Sold our motorhome where we had a Battery Master to sort the starter battery.

Do I really need 30 amp?. They get cheaper with less amperage.

 

[Stealaway]

Do I really need 30 amp?. They get cheaper with less amperage.

100w solar will only need 10A fuse and controller

 

[TheCaller]

The Truma could charge up to 14.8v at the end of the bulk stage, but it should then drop to 14.2v if set for a gel battery, or 14.4v for AGM or standard wet cell for a further 2hrs before finally dropping to 13.8v & holding there (float stage).

If it's not dropping, then either it's faulty, or there is a smallish drain, sufficient to keep the battery in the bulk stage, but not sufficient to drag the voltage down.

Once it does go into either absorption or float, it shouldn't go back to bulk until the voltage drops below 13.3v.

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[David and Sally]

I don’t think there is a draw as there is a master switch to shut everything down. Not as complicated as a Moho system.
As Lenny HB said, maybe a duff controller.

Have disconnected it as we are a permanent site with occasional trips to sites with ehu. But, as the van is fitted with solar I do want it working aok. So, a Victron 10 or 15 amp it is.

I really do appreciate the info from you guys. Nowhere on the planet is the breadth of experience that is on this site

 

[Tombola]

It’s in a caravan. Sold our motorhome where we had a Battery Master to sort the starter battery.

Do I really need 30 amp?. They get cheaper with less amperage.

no 10amp is fine for 1 x 100w panel

 

[RioRob]

I don’t think there is a draw as there is a master switch to shut everything down. Not as complicated as a Moho system.
As Lenny HB said, maybe a duff controller.

Have disconnected it as we are a permanent site with occasional trips to sites with ehu. But, as the van is fitted with solar I do want it working aok. So, a Victron 10 or 15 amp it is.

I really do appreciate the info from you guys. Nowhere on the planet is the breadth of experience that is on this site

I have one of these https://sargentltd.co.uk/shop/product/10amp_mppt_solar_regulator/334 on my Benivan does the job OK but no bells, whistles or flashing lights!

 

[David and Sally]

Interesting.

This article says max voltage for efb batteries is 14.8v. That is what the solar controller is getting the battery to but the caravan control panel comes up with the over-voltage message.

What voltage does the start-stop battery need to be charged? ― 130.com.ua

The batteries used in vehicles equipped with a start/stop system differ in design and quality from conventional lead-acid batteries. This determines the features of their operation, in particular, charging. How to properly charge a battery of this type, which charger to choose, and what voltage...

130.com.ua