Batteries not operating normal since solar installation

[Paul Elliott]

Lets say the sun is not right overhead. The panels are putting out 15 volts or less. With the 10% drop in voltage you are left with 13.5 volts or less which will not charge a battery in any reasonable time - like a week or 2.

While I agree that #10 wire is too small for the paralleled panel arrangement, the voltage drop depends on the current actually flowing through the wires. Any kind of regulator will take current from the panel until the voltage drops to some equilibrium point. There will still be charging current going into the batteries, just not as much as you would get with heavier wires. The drop will not be the 10% some have suggested, and the panel voltage won't be as low (after the wires) as suggested, because the current won't be that high.

[ramblinrod]

Originally Posted by zboss

Sometimes you find an old problem because you are paying attention to a new problem.

[hycslim]

Where did you run the ground for your solar panels? I had a similar problem, we grounded the solar panels directly to the battery however the Link 2000 never knew the panels existed. They have to be grounded to the dual shunt for the ground only, did this and then the system worked fine. Easiest way to tell was, amps used was always negative even on a sunny day when my panels were putting out 13amps, ran the ground properly and the amps went to positive and showed an amount that took into account what I was consuming.

Good Luck

Allan

[Laceynhans]

Thank you all for your thoughts. I'm in the Virgin Islands, and not in a position to go to dock right now. Adding water seems to have fixed the fridge problem. I love when it's the simple solution. As for not being able to crank over the engine I am still stuck but suspect, as many have stated a connection issue, I'm going through system right now, it's a 37 year old wiring nightmare. I have been thinking of equalizing the batteries but I'm not exactly sure of the process and will seek some help in st martin. Any recommendations?

[Highland Fling]

Originally Posted by Laceynhans

Thank you all for your thoughts. I'm in the Virgin Islands, and not in a position to go to dock right now. Adding water seems to have fixed the fridge problem. I love when it's the simple solution. As for not being able to crank over the engine I am still stuck but suspect, as many have stated a connection issue, I'm going through system right now, it's a 37 year old wiring nightmare. I have been thinking of equalizing the batteries but I'm not exactly sure of the process and will seek some help in st martin. Any recommendations?

David on Heymede at Custom Fit Marine ( ch 10 VHF)

[GILow]

If adding water solved the problem then it sounds even more like the new solar setup is boiling the batteries dry. Definitely worth double checking the charge voltage settings on the new regulator.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Jsta_Rebel]

Ya know, you could have a charge controller issue going on thats not allowing the batteries to fully charge. Cheap stuff on the market and I don't know what you have, but I'd still be getting the multi meter out and checking things out. Check the voltage to the fridge when it starts. It could be that you have to increase the cable size to the fridge or there's a problem with what's there now. Couple hours work to see what's goin on.. Good luck.

[Laceynhans]

Good thought on the voltage setting, I'll check that now. thanks for the electrical recommendation, I'll contact him tomorrow . Happy sailing!