GP-PWM-10
6
7.0 Troubleshooting
7.1 Problems with the Display
Display Reading:
Blank
Time of Day:
Day / Night
Possible Cause:
(1) Battery or fuse connection and/or solar array connection (Daytime only).
(2) Battery or fuse connection (Night only).
How to tell:
(1) & (2) Check the voltage at the controller battery terminals with a voltmeter and compare with
a voltage reading at the battery terminals. If there is no voltage reading at the controller battery
terminals, the problem is in the wiring between the battery and controller. If the battery voltage is
lower than 6 volts the controller will not function. For the solar array, repeat steps 1 and 2
substituting all battery terminals with solar array terminals.
Remedy:
(1) & (2) Check all connections from the controller to the battery including checking for correct
wire polarity. Check that all connections are clean, tight, and secure. Ensure the battery voltage
is above 6 volts. Check the condition of the fuse.
7.2 Problems with Voltage
Voltage Reading:
Inaccurate
Time of Day:
Day / Night
Possible Cause:
(1) Excessive voltage drop from batteries to controller due to loose connections, small wire
gauge or both.
How to tell:
(1) Check the voltage at the controller battery terminals with a voltmeter and compare with the
voltage reading at the battery terminals. If there is a voltage discrepancy of more than 0.5 V,
there is an excessive voltage drop.
Remedy:
(1) Check all connections from the controller to the battery including checking for correct wire
polarity. Check that all connections are clean, tight, and secure. Shorten the distance from the
controller to battery or obtain larger gauge wire. It is also possible to double up the existing
gauge wire (i.e. two wire runs) to simulate a larger gauge wire.
7.3 Problems with Current
Current Reading:
0 A
Time of Day:
Day, clear sunny skies
Possible Cause:
(1) Current is being limited below 1 Amp as per normal operation.
(2) Poor connection between solar
array and controller.
How to tell:
(1) The State of Charge (SOC) screen is close to 100% and the Sun and Battery icon are
present with an arrow between.
(2) With the solar array in sunlight, check the voltage at the controller solar array terminals with
a voltmeter. If there is no reading at the controller solar array terminals, the problem is
somewhere in the wiring from the solar array to the controller.
Remedy:
(1) Check all connections from the controller to the array including checking for correct wire
polarity. Check that all connections are clean, tight, and secure. Continue with the solutions
below for additional help on low current readings.
