Solar panel problem
Submitted: Saturday, Mar 19, 2016 at 13:35
ThreadID:
131874
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3
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Scott T4
My 180 w folding solar puts out too much voltage when in full sun. 15 to 17 volts. The regulator is a mttp. I brought it from bit deals a number of years ago. Does the regulator need replacing and if so which one. There is a lot of regulators on e bay. Thanks
Reply By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Saturday, Mar 19, 2016 at 14:13
Saturday, Mar 19, 2016 at 14:13
Scott, where are you measuring the "15 to 17 volts"?
Is the battery connected at this time?
Is the regulator positioned on the solar panel or is it positioned close to the battery?
AnswerID:
597550
Follow Up By: Scott T4 - Saturday, Mar 19, 2016 at 14:20
Saturday, Mar 19, 2016 at 14:20
Hi Allan
I'm measuring the volts at the battery and the battery was connected at the time.
The regulator is on the solar panel.
It's a bit deals rich solar panel.
My mate had the same problem with a rich panel on the same day.
Thanks
FollowupID:
866588
Follow Up By: mike39 - Saturday, Mar 19, 2016 at 14:39
Saturday, Mar 19, 2016 at 14:39
I have a solar panel which does the same thing ie, the regulator is not regulating.
Try disconnecting the leads. panel to battery, and shorting the panel leads together.
This will re boot the regulator, allow it to recognise the battery voltage and reduce the charge voltage/amps to it.
Shorting a solar panel, volts or amps, can do no damage to it. (ocv. sca. measurements)
mike
FollowupID:
866590
Follow Up By: Scott T4 - Saturday, Mar 19, 2016 at 14:47
Saturday, Mar 19, 2016 at 14:47
Thanks Mike.
I will give it a go
FollowupID:
866591
Follow Up By: Scott T4 - Thursday, Mar 24, 2016 at 12:28
Thursday, Mar 24, 2016 at 12:28
Hi Mike
I tried what you said but it didn't work
Cheers
FollowupID:
866787
Follow Up By: Scott T4 - Thursday, Mar 24, 2016 at 12:35
Thursday, Mar 24, 2016 at 12:35
I emailed bit deals about the volts being too high.
In full sun 16.4 volts.
My mate has the same panel with the same problem.
Bit deals said that mppt regulators go up to 18 volts and this is normal.
Not in my bloody book it is.
It looks like I will be buying another regulator for the panel.
Cheers
FollowupID:
866788
Reply By: Whirlwinder - Sunday, Mar 20, 2016 at 22:01
Sunday, Mar 20, 2016 at 22:01
You would be smart to run the power from the solar panel through a BCDC charger to be sure the battery is getting the correct voltage of about 14.4. Then it doesn't matter what the panels (or the alternator) gives. The battery will only get 14.4 until full then float charge.
AnswerID:
597589
Follow Up By: Scott T4 - Monday, Mar 21, 2016 at 09:23
Monday, Mar 21, 2016 at 09:23
Yes I will have to look at getting one of them. Thanks
FollowupID:
866655
Follow Up By: Gronk - Monday, Mar 21, 2016 at 18:44
Monday, Mar 21, 2016 at 18:44
What you are suggesting with a BCDC charger is exactly what a solar controller does.....if it's working OK. If a BCDC charger is faulty, it will do similar things as well !
What the OP probably needs is a new solar controller...preferably a good quality one. My Steca 20A unit has been going great for 4 yrs...
FollowupID:
866678
Reply By: Peter C61 - Wednesday, Apr 06, 2016 at 21:37
Wednesday, Apr 06, 2016 at 21:37
I have a 30amp regulator on my solar panel to charge 24V batteries. The particular unit will do 12v or 24V and has a LED screen that gives all the charging data and lots more. they sell on Ebay for around $40 including postage. I have tried others though these have to be the best in my mind. If you are interested i will forward the link to the one i have. I had the same type of unit on my previous motorhome and it never let me down. Cant recommend them enough.
AnswerID:
598283