Solar not Working Correctly?

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by simonpickard

Thanks for the reset. As the OP I'm lost as well.

I'll try and provide more info..

1. What brand of Batteries?
I can't see any stickers. They came new with the boat in March. A hanse 385.
It says absorption is 14.6-14.8v and float is 13.6-13.8.

2. The solar controller is set to the default setting.
Attachment 87815

3. My battery monitor doesn't matter for this thread. I can see amps in at midday are around 6-7amps unshaded.

4. Energy use is about 120amps per day I've worked out.

5. Wiring. Not sure how to explain so hope the following images help.
This is from left to right. Then a single cable goes into the socket with a 6-7m run to the solar controller.

Attachment 87816
Attachment 87817
Attachment 87818
Attachment 87819



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www.sailing-interlude.com

Ah now we are getting somewhere. Do yourself a favor and test those Chinese / Shenzhen panels individually. They have a bit of a reputation for not putting out their rating.

[simonpickard]

Hi there,

Sorry for the late reply, been away from the boat for a while.
How can I test each panel? Do I need to cut the wiring to do so and I'm guessing I need an amp / volt meter?

Regards,
Simon

[noelex 77]

The best way is with a clamp on ammeter. This can test the current without breaking the wires. You just open the ring at the top, clamp this over the wire and get a reading of the current.

There are other ways but a clamp on ammeter is one of those (almost) must have tools for the boat. This is a good excuse to buy one.

Make sure you get one that can measure DC amps. (Some will only do AC amps)

[simonpickard]

That looks smart! I'll try and hunt one down.
I should be back in Gibraltar in a few weeks though and am looking for a good solar guy there if anyone knows one?

Just hope it isn't the panels which are goosed. :/