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2-5 Troubleshooting
The SunWide is very rugged and designed for the most extreme operating conditions.
Most PV system problems will be caused by connections, voltage drops, and loads.
Troubleshooting the SunWide controller is simple. Some basic troubleshooting
procedures are listed below.
CAUTIONS:
1. Troubleshooting should be done by qualified personnel only.
2. Remember that a battery can cause serious damage if shorted.
3. There are no user serviceable parts, fuses or circuit breakers inside the SunWide.
4. Observe all normal precautions when working with energized circuitry.
1. BATTERY IS NOT CHARGING
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Check the green LED indicator. The green CHARGING LED should be on if it is
daytime.
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Check that the proper battery charging has been selected by DIP Switches.
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Check that all wire connections in the system are correct and tight. Check the
polarity (+ and –) of the connections.
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Measure the PV array open-circuit voltage and confirm it is within normal limits. If
the voltage is low or zero, check the connections at the PV array itself. Disconnect
the PV from the controller when working on the PV array.
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Check that the load is not drawing more energy than the PV array can provide.
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Check if there are excessive voltage drops between the controller and the battery.
This will cause undercharging of the battery.
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Check the condition of the battery. Determine if the battery voltage declines at
night with no load. If unable to maintain its voltage, the battery may be failing.
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Measure the PV voltage and the battery voltage at the SunWide terminals. If the
voltage at the terminals is the same (within a few tenths of volts) the PV array is
charging the battery. If the PV voltage is close to the open circuit voltage of the
panels and the battery voltage is low, the controller is not charging the batteries and
may be damaged.
2. BATTERY VOLTAGE IS TOO HIGH
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First check the operating conditions to confirm that the voltage is higher than
specifications.
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Check that the proper battery charging has been selected by DIP Switches.
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Check that all wire connections in the system are correct and tight.
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Disconnect the PV array and momentarily disconnect the lead from the BATTERY
positive terminal. Reconnect the battery terminal and leave the PV array
disconnected. The Green charging light should not be lit. Measure the voltage at the
SOLAR terminals (with the array still disconnected). If the Green charging light is
on or battery voltage is measured at the SOLAR terminals, the controller may be
damaged.
3. LOAD NOT OPERATING PROPERLY
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Press the LIGHT TEST button to turn the lights on. This will assist in