Posts: 423
Threads: 82
Thanks Received: 233 in 148 posts
Thanks Given: 102
Joined: Nov 2017
Reputation:
4
I have had the impression that my solar panels are barely doing any charging at all.
I have had no evidence to support that.
I bought a clamp meter that will measure amps in DC
I spent some time in the phone with tech service from Victron
He felt that my solar panels probably are not wired correctly. That is hard to figure...first, because it is so simple but also because I had professionals go up there to do it (I do not "do" heights)
Is there a place in ehrenberg where I can take this rig and get this all sorted out? I know a lot of places do not want to touch an installation they didn't do......but, I am really going to be on the road tomorrow to get south and so I will not be sticking around here to get back with those solar people when they return from holiday next month.
1989 Honeywell motorhome
Ford E350 chassis. 460 engine
Posts: 2,312
Threads: 144
Thanks Received: 1,680 in 1,071 posts
Thanks Given: 1,369
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
16
Kat, did you check your batteries? Any chance that they could be old or depleted too far?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
monkeyfoot
•
Posts: 423
Threads: 82
Thanks Received: 233 in 148 posts
Thanks Given: 102
Joined: Nov 2017
Reputation:
4
They are new. They are lithium
When I balanced them in August..they were at 3.1 per battery ( 4 batteries = 12.4 volts). Just where they should be from shipping. (Lithium is never stored or shipped full...it doesn't like sitting at full)
They routinely sit at 13.1 to 13.4 They were fully charged about 3 weeks ago using a 120 volt charger...(120 to 14 volt charger)
But...I do not see, to get much charging from the solar controller. Verified that today with Victron tech rep.
1989 Honeywell motorhome
Ford E350 chassis. 460 engine
•
Posts: 2,312
Threads: 144
Thanks Received: 1,680 in 1,071 posts
Thanks Given: 1,369
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
16
Well Gotsmart would surely look it over but we are a longggggg way from Ehrenberg. We are on the road again just north of Austin at a Walmart. Heading into the frozen north tomorrow
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
monkeyfoot
Posts: 915
Threads: 107
Thanks Received: 550 in 377 posts
Thanks Given: 205
Joined: Oct 2017
Reputation:
5
I don't have much hate in me at all but Austin is one of those places I actually hate... well, I hate the traffic. It SUCKKKKKKKKSSSSSSS!!! Locals know about the over and under but it totally confuses anyone just passing thru and they go into a patty cake on the brake panic when they see it. Be careful down there and when you get up to Carl's Corner, stop in for a smoke with Willie.
•
Posts: 423
Threads: 82
Thanks Received: 233 in 148 posts
Thanks Given: 102
Joined: Nov 2017
Reputation:
4
I do not understand the last two posts. ??? Inside joke?
1989 Honeywell motorhome
Ford E350 chassis. 460 engine
Posts: 915
Threads: 107
Thanks Received: 550 in 377 posts
Thanks Given: 205
Joined: Oct 2017
Reputation:
5
GotSmart is a solar installer/fixer/troubleshooter. I'm sure Cammalu can tell you about his credentials.
•
Posts: 2,312
Threads: 144
Thanks Received: 1,680 in 1,071 posts
Thanks Given: 1,369
Joined: Sep 2017
Reputation:
16
Kat, John sent you his phone number thru PM so you can call and he can possibly walk you thru some troubleshooting.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
monkeyfoot
•