Solar Power

[SoBella]

Hi, I purchased a used 2020 Cutwater 30CB, and the solar panels don’t seem to be charging the batteries.

Facts: equipment is the original from the factory. Tested at the controller and there is 20v coming down from the solar panel, the batteries can also be measured at the controller at about 13v, the solar controller meter (MT1 model) shows battery voltage but it does not show any voltage or amps coming down from the solar panel. Replaced the controller with a new one, and I have the same result.

1) Should the Meter report the voltage the solar panel is generating even if it is not charging the batteries?
2) Why is the solar panel not charging the batteries?
3) does the controller start to charge the batteries if the batteries have less than x voltage?

Note: yes there is sun when tested, no shadows, and the panel is very clean.

Tks

 

[freedomvango]

an easy way to check this is:
Turn off all loads and let the battery sit for a bit.
Take a voltage reading with the solar controller connected to it and note it
remove the solar controller leads, and after a few minutes take another reading.
If it is lower, then the solar controller is providing charge.
If it is not, either the batteries are full, or it is not charging. Charge would be indicated by battery voltage based on what chemistry you have.
Best move is to add a battery monitor from victron so you can see actual current going in or out of your system.

 

[SoBella]

checking with the volte-meter I notice negative current coming from the panel… checked a little more and the polarity was inverted, now yellow goes into the positive and it works and all reading are good, I would like to talk with who ever did this. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

 

[freedomvango]

checking with the volte-meter I notice negative current coming from the panel… checked a little more and the polarity was inverted, now yellow goes into the positive and it works and all reading are good, I would like to talk with who ever did this. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

it happens to the best of us! Glad you got it working