PN# 500-22125
Page 7
Rev. D, 08/11
Troubleshooting (Solar Controller)
Problem
Battery is not charging…
Solution
a.
Check the green LED indicator. The green “CHARGING” LED should be on if it is
daytime.
b.
Check that the proper battery type (sealed or flooded) has been selected.
c.
Check that all wire connections in the system are correct and tight. Check the
polarity (+ and –) of the connections.
d.
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.
e.
Check that the load is not drawing more energy than the PV array can provide.
f.
Check if there are excessive voltage drops between the controller and the
battery. This will cause undercharging of the battery.
g.
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.
h.
Measure the PV voltage and the battery voltage at the controller terminals. If
the voltage at the terminals is the same (within a few tenths of volts) the PV
array is charging the battery. If 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.
Problem
Battery Voltage is too high…
Solution
a.
First check the operating conditions to confirm that the voltage is higher than
specifications. Consider the temperature compensation of the controller’s PWM
set-point. For example, 15 at 0°C the controller will regulate at about 15.1
volts (for 12 volt flooded batteries).
b.
Check that the proper battery type (sealed or flooded) has been selected.
c.
Check that all wire connections in the system are correct and tight.
d.
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 LED 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.
Problem
Load not operating properly…
Solution
a.
Check that the load is turned on. Check that no system fuses are defective.
Check that no system circuit breakers are tripped. Remember that there are no
fuses or circuit breakers inside the controller.
b.
Check connections to the load, and other controller and battery connections.
Make sure voltage drops in the system wires are not too high.
c.
Check for proper LED indications on the controller. If the red “LOAD
DISCONNECT” LED is on, the load has been disconnected due to low battery
voltage. This is generally a normal state when the load exceeds the PV array
output due to weather and other sunlight conditions.
d.
Measure the voltage at the controller “BATTERY” terminals. If this voltage is
above the LVD, the load should have power. Then measure the voltage at the
controller “LOAD” terminals, and if there is no voltage present, the controller
may be defective.
IF PROBLEMS PERSIST CALL SECURITRON TOLL FREE
(800) MAG-LOCK
(800) 624-5625
