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Solar panels not charging
Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2019 7:19 am
by Anelbad
Problem with Victron MPPT controller & solar panels
Three days ago my 75v/15A MPPT controller stopped working.
I have 200W of solar panels installed in April. It had worked perfectly. When I discovered it wasn't working I disconnected the battery positive, reconnected and they worked again. 36 hours later they stopped working. On both occasions the app showed them as off, the blue led is flashing which indicates “not charging”
I have since, on advice covered the panels, disconnected and reconnected the battery positive and then uncovered the panels. Still not working.
The other odd symptom, the voltage on the PV wires at the controller is as expected 21v. If they're connected to the MPPT controller the terminal block gives a voltage of 2.1v. If the battery is connected then I get the battery voltage.
I’ve now tried replacing the Victron MPPT controller but the problem persists.
Any suggestions appreciated
Thanks in advance
Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2019 8:23 am
by AsLan7
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Hey AB.
Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!
That’s an interesting setup you have there. On which model Cobalt is this installed? Any pics?
Some of our battery gurus may be able to throw in an opinion. I will say this is the first question of this kind on the site.
In any event, welcome aboard mate!
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Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2019 6:09 pm
by Big Block Power
Matt had this exact set up on his 282. Help the guy out Matt!!
Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Thu Jun 20, 2019 7:16 pm
by cmattj
Anelbad wrote: ↑Thu Jun 20, 2019 7:19 am
Problem with Victron MPPT controller & solar panels
Three days ago my 75v/15A MPPT controller stopped working.
I have 200W of solar panels installed in April. It had worked perfectly. When I discovered it wasn't working I disconnected the battery positive, reconnected and they worked again. 36 hours later they stopped working. On both occasions the app showed them as off, the blue led is flashing which indicates “not charging”
I have since, on advice covered the panels, disconnected and reconnected the battery positive and then uncovered the panels. Still not working.
The other odd symptom, the voltage on the PV wires at the controller is as expected 21v. If they're connected to the MPPT controller the terminal block gives a voltage of 2.1v. If the battery is connected then I get the battery voltage.
I’ve now tried replacing the Victron MPPT controller but the problem persists.
Any suggestions appreciated
Thanks in advance
Welcome Anelbad. My system isn't as sophisticated as yours, as it is only a single panel stand alone for battery maintenance.
As most 200 watt panels are usually 2 separate 100w watt panels wired together, I am assuming you have performed an isolation test. Possibly you have your system wired in Series and not parallel? Therefore creating a higher voltage load as opposed to amperage? This was a common mistake on our battery back up systems at the Holiday inn expresses we were converting over to solar a few years back.
Have the panels tested and let us hear back. We would loc to see pictures of your set up.
Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 7:29 am
by cmattj
( cricket )
Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 12:26 pm
by Big Block Power
cmattj wrote: ↑Thu Jun 27, 2019 7:29 am( cricket )
He's out doing snowman bongs with the other guy. Or playing with Yt toys
Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 2:07 pm
by cmattj
Big Block Power wrote: ↑Thu Jun 27, 2019 12:26 pm
He's out doing snowman bongs with the other guy. Or playing with Yt toys
Yt sees the versatility
Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 7:15 pm
by AsLan7
cmattj wrote: ↑Thu Jun 27, 2019 2:07 pm
Big Block Power wrote: ↑Thu Jun 27, 2019 12:26 pm
He's out doing snowman bongs with the other guy. Or playing with Yt toys
Yt sees the versatility
.
Matt your snowman bong comment on the deleted thread this morning made my day. I literally laughed out loud.
(unlike bbp’s common LOL ‘s)
.
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Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 8:19 pm
by Ytmsn
What did you say Matt? A7 deleted it before I saw anything after I commented...
Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 10:06 pm
by cmattj
Ytmsn wrote: ↑Thu Jun 27, 2019 8:19 pm
What did you say Matt? A7 deleted it before I saw anything after I commented...
I was admiring paraphernalia, that could be displayed proudly.
See I’m with you as it’s about time that these ...along with adult items can be left out for all to enjoy.
I’m designing fake covers for Playboy magazines to be left out as coffee table books...as this has me brainstorming.
Solar seems too complicated obviously
Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Thu Jun 27, 2019 11:32 pm
by akorcovelos
Seriously, get busy at work and miss an epic deleted thread. *sniffle*
In addition to testing the panels I’d suggest having the batteries load tested. What type/brand batteries are they? Trojans?
Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Fri Jun 28, 2019 7:51 am
by Ytmsn
akorcovelos wrote: ↑Thu Jun 27, 2019 11:32 pm
Seriously, get busy at work and miss an epic deleted thread. *sniffle*
In addition to testing the panels I’d suggest having the batteries load tested. What type/brand batteries are they? Trojans?
Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2023 8:21 am
by madalinet
Have you checked the wiring connections and made sure they're secure? Loose connections can cause similar issues.
Another thing you may want to try is resetting the MPPT controller to its factory settings. Sometimes this can fix problems like this.
If none of these solutions work, it may be worth contacting Victron customer support for more assistance. They should be able to help you diagnose the issue and come up with a solution.
Lastly, use a
solar payback calculator to see how much money you could save with your solar panels over time. It's a great tool to help you decide if investing in solar energy is worth it in the long run.
Re: Solar panels not charging
Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2023 10:35 pm
by AsLan7
madalinet wrote: ↑Sun Mar 05, 2023 8:21 am
Have you checked the wiring connections and made sure they're secure? Loose connections can cause similar issues.
Another thing you may want to try is resetting the MPPT controller to its factory settings. Sometimes this can fix problems like this.
If none of these solutions work, it may be worth contacting Victron customer support for more assistance. They should be able to help you diagnose the issue and come up with a solution.
Lastly, use a
solar payback calculator to see how much money you could save with your solar panels over time. It's a great tool to help you decide if investing in solar energy is worth it in the long run.
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Hey madalinet. So glad you found us.
Thanks for the information.
And welcome aboard mate.
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