Where’s my solar controller?

[Essgeebee]

Can anyone tell me where the solar controller is situated in my 2019 Autotrail Tracker. I’ve looked everywhere but a) I don’t know what it looks like, b) what type it is or c) how I’d know if it’s working effectively.
Has anyone changed the standard issue one to another, more efficient model. I hear MTTP controllers are better - though don’t know why.

 

[kevenh]

Are you sure you have a controller? It is likely but worth asking.
Was the solar panel an optional extra or standard?
Was it fitted after purchase?
Do you know the charging capabilities of your solar panel?

Where do the solar panel's wires come inside the motorhome?
Within a metre or so of that is where I'd expect a solar controller - in my experience of ONE motorhome

 

[tonka]

Depending on the model of Sargent unit it's usually a built in feature of that.

Visit YouTube, some videos on there will explain the difference between the types of regulators.

 

[Tombola]

follow your solar wires.

 

[Essgeebee]

Thank you for replies so far. I’m sure the panel was factory fitted as it’s included in the spec. The cabling (for everything) is very well hidden so without taking a screwdriver to ducting it’s not easy to see. The Sargent control panel shows me that solar charging is taking place and it has a SMART feature - not entirely sure what that does. If that means that the Sargent control panel incorporates a solar controller, great. I’d like to know just in case it goes wrong at some stage or I might be able to upgrade it in future.

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[Puddleduck]

Do you have any documentation? I'm just thinking that the instructions for your Sargent unit might tell you if it incorporates the controller. But then it might be a generic instruction leaflet and you'll need to find the model of the unit and check from there.

We don't have an Autotrail so can't really help - our electrical gubbins are near the leisure battery.

 

[Tombola]

What model is your sergant electric panel, EC something maybe? similar to below ? but newer

 

[tonka]

Thank you for replies so far. I’m sure the panel was factory fitted as it’s included in the spec. The cabling (for everything) is very well hidden so without taking a screwdriver to ducting it’s not easy to see. The Sargent control panel shows me that solar charging is taking place and it has a SMART feature - not entirely sure what that does. If that means that the Sargent control panel incorporates a solar controller, great. I’d like to know just in case it goes wrong at some stage or I might be able to upgrade it in future.

If you have smart charge feature on your control panel then yes it's incorporated into the Sargent unit. These are often 120w max, look on the Sargent website with your model number and you can print off a manual with all the info and operating features.

NOTE... and this is a common error. If you want to smart charge both engine and leisure battery then the shutdown switch on the EC unit must be left in the "ON" position. If you turn it off then only the leisure batteries are charged by solar. More an issue in the winter months.

 

[Essgeebee]

If you have smart charge feature on your control panel then yes it's incorporated into the Sargent unit. These are often 120w max, look on the Sargent website with your model number and you can print off a manual with all the info and operating features.

NOTE... and this is a common error. If you want to smart charge both engine and leisure battery then the shutdown switch on the EC unit must be left in the "ON" position. If you turn it off then only the leisure batteries are charged by solar. More an issue in the winter months.

Thank you for this. Very helpful and explains why I’ve been unable to find a controller anywhere else.