Solar Controller showing Low Watt Input

[UFO]

I have two solar controllers - One is working fine showing normal Input/Output for its own array, but the other which is connected to a single 380W panel is showing only 30W input on a very sunny day at mid-day (normally it would show 300+).


It is showing Bulk Mode and the batteries are sucking up power from other sources, so its not the batteries.



What is the best way to figure out if its a controller, wiring or panel issue?

[marciaanddave]

Could you swap panel to other controller? Since you know one controller and one panel are working, connect the questionable panel to the working controller.

[UFO]

Had a bit more time to investigate and it appears that the controller is reading the Battery Voltage incorrectly - It is on the VE Network and Should be getting its Voltage from the Victron Smart BMV like the other controller, but when I looked it was reading a Much higher battery voltage than either the BMV or Other Controller (or my BMS).



Do we have any Victron Gurus on the forum that have any ideas about this?

[CharlieJ]

What controllers do you have? What other Victron equipment is on the VE Network?

Have you checked all connections (including the MC-4 connectors) to ensure all are bright and tight?

[chris mac]

A simple possibility,(and east to check/eliminate) make sure the panels are clean. Bird droppings, or salt buildup have dropped one array down 70% on us before, while the other was fine.

[UFO]

There are 3 controllers on the VE Network


Phoenix 50A 240V Charger
150/70 MPPT
100/50 MPPT


Phoenix Shows identical Voltage to BMV
150/70 Shows a very minor difference (no more than 0.02V) to the BMV

100/50 is out around 0.3V to the BMV


I think the issue is that the 100/50 has started to lose the VE Blu-tooth connection - I have watched the BMV connection to it and it times out and then re-connects from time to time. This unit has been running for well over a year and I have made no changes to the system or have added anything that would interfere with the Blu-tooth



I would have also thought that the 150/70 should show identical voltage like the Phoenix? Although the 0.02V difference is not a problem.