Battery over charging on solar

[captstu]

Hi,

When I "sit" in bright sunlight with my fridge running, the battery voltage slowly climbs to 15.3 volts - with solar as the only source. This voltage is checked on the supplied DC voltmeter, an internal added DVM and a portable DVM I trust. Turning on some load, the Radar, for example, drops the voltage to 13.7, a number that feels right for full batteries in bright sun.

I have the "standard" 135 W solar panel and controller.

It appears the controller limiter is not set right, but the instructions for the limiter/controller show no way to adjust the maximum voltage output.

I think this is not a new problem - the batteries were all dry and failed within a week of purchase.

She is a 2010 R-25.

I don't mind replacing the controller, but am curious if anyone else saw this problem. Thanks /Stu

 

[elan]

Good morning Catnip,
I would recommend that you put the existing controller in the dumpster & install a Blue Sky, solar boost 2000E.
We had one on our previous trawler with 450 wts of solar panels & have recently changed out the factory Morning star controller for a Blue Sky, solar boost 2000E on our 2012 26 ft Cutwater.
Look up specs on line & shop around on line for best prices.
Good luck,
Mike
M/V Elan

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello Stu,

I would think something is really wrong if solar charging voltages reach 15+ VDC.

From what I've read, the MPPT type solar charge regulators offer superior charging results in comparison to the PWM controller so that would be the type I would get.
Here (http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/sola ... er_testing) is a good description of the differences between the two types of controllers. This review tested the results of the two types of controllers when used to charge a LiFePO4 battery bank (which most of us don't have); the end results are going to apply across to Flooded cell or gel batteries as well.

Backing the truck up a little...here (http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/do_i ... controller) is a good explanation of WHY you need a charge controller in the first place.

Fair winds and solar charging,

dave

 

[knotflying]

You might call Morningstar and ask them. They are pretty responsive and there is a fairly good warranty on the controller.

 

[Kenny Marrs]

Hello Stu,

I don't believe we had the solar panel as a factory option when your boat was built.

Was this an add on perhaps the dealer installed? Is the display a Morningstar?

Thanks,
-Kenny

 

[captstu]

Replaced the Morningstar with an Mppt controller. No more problems

Thank you.