boondocking, need help asap....
Just put a new controller in for my 55w solar panel. It charges batts (2 12v) to full charge, but once the sun starts to go down the batts start to discharge and the controller shows red by morning. W...
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Haven't read the whole thread, but I think OP problem is the 55watt panel is just too small to put enough current into the batteries in one day. Max output of that panel might amount to about 30 amp hours at the absolute most in perfect conditions.
If he's watching voltage the batteries may appear charged but once the surface charge dissipates or he applies a slight load he'll get an accurate reading. I'm guessing his battery bank is rarely fully charged with that setup.
I've got a 230watt panel and mppt controller and in bad conditions I can see 14.6 volts at the batteries, but only a couple amps current output from the charger. Voltage is a bad indicator of soc in this scenario.
If he's watching voltage the batteries may appear charged but once the surface charge dissipates or he applies a slight load he'll get an accurate reading. I'm guessing his battery bank is rarely fully charged with that setup.
I've got a 230watt panel and mppt controller and in bad conditions I can see 14.6 volts at the batteries, but only a couple amps current output from the charger. Voltage is a bad indicator of soc in this scenario.
