Chris Posted March 2, 2008 Report Share Posted March 2, 2008 We have had a problem with our solar panel charge readout. We have four 130watt Kyocera solar panels, and three 110 amphour AGM batteries, as well as a STECA 30 amp solar controller.A week ago, in the morning, the solar charger was showing low voltage in the batteries (10.5 volts). On checking the battries individually they were showing 12.6 each, When disconnected from the solar controller. On giving it a power kick from the car for 5 minutes, the system was again showing 12.8 volts. It didn't drop below this higher reading for the rest of the day. Charging from the solar panels seemed fine.A week later (yesterday) a similar thing happened. And again this morning. The batteries when disconnected this morning from the solar regulator and separated showed 12.7 volts. We are trying to work out if this is a battery problem or a controller problem. Any suggestions we can try?We are currently camped near Orange in NSW...Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark and Narelle Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 Hi ChrisChances are its your controller. When we were parked next to each other in Cairns last year I showed Val the Plasmatronics PL40 that I had replaced our old Steca with, due to similar problems. CheersMark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted March 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 Thanks Mark.Good to hear from you - where are you guys right now? We are at Moree, on our way back to Brisbane to have this looked at. Ash has booked the van in for Tuesday to check it all out. It may well be the controller. But now, the batteries are not holding their charge. Even after disconencting the charger at night, boosting the batteries with a run from the genny, by morning they were down again. So you had a similar problem with the Steca? Val can't remember all the details of your story, so we would appreciate hearing it again, briefly. Did Kedron put the new system in for you, or did you get it done elsewhere?CheersChris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark and Narelle Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 ChrisWe have 5 Solar Panels feeding 4 130amp batteries and we never run out of power. If your batteries are sealed you can only expect them to last in top condition for 3 years. If you go the Plasmatronics route make sure you get a shunt big enough to handle your inverter (if you have one). Don't worry, the solar guys you take it to should know all this. Ours was changed from the Steca by a 12 volt guy in Perth, which is where we are currently waiting for the Caravan show next week.CheersMark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted March 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2008 Thanks for the advice everyone. It turned out to be a dead battery, which fortunately had not had enough time to drag down the other 2. Luckily the regulator was OK also. It was thoroughly checked by Ashley, (he looked at what was coming in and what was going out, and all was well from that angle). All is now working well, a week later.We are staying on at Imbil, taking advantage of what is a beautiful spot.Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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