Low Amps from New Solar Install

NinerBikes wrote:

SkiSmuggs wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Put a nice heavy load on the battery bank when the panels are in the sun.

What did you choose for voltage set points?

I left the "ceases charging" parameter at 13.8 for now. I see where a couple of folks change theirs depending on circumstances which sounds like a little of a pain to remember. My panels are always there whether I am on shore power or not so I am open to suggestions.

Try 14.5V camping, 13.2V storage.

Write it down on paper, a small piece, then put some clear packing tape over the paper, on the solar charge controller, to seal it in place. Couldn't be easier to remember.

You don't get all the luxuries of home in an RV without a little bit of daily maintenance and routine. This is not plug and play, so get used to it, now.

Apparently I was spoiled by the ViewStar 10amp PMW controller that came with my Renogy 100w suitcase portable as it had settings for float, bulk and equalize. I set it and forgot it. But what do I want for $30?
I just checked Amazon and the ViewStar 30A PMW is $130 to set it and forget it.

NinerBikes wrote:

SkiSmuggs wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Put a nice heavy load on the battery bank when the panels are in the sun.

What did you choose for voltage set points?

I left the "ceases charging" parameter at 13.8 for now. I see where a couple of folks change theirs depending on circumstances which sounds like a little of a pain to remember. My panels are always there whether I am on shore power or not so I am open to suggestions.

Try 14.5V camping, 13.2V storage.

Write it down on paper, a small piece, then put some clear packing tape over the paper, on the solar charge controller, to seal it in place. Couldn't be easier to remember.

You don't get all the luxuries of home in an RV without a little bit of daily maintenance and routine. This is not plug and play, so get used to it, now.

Good, makes sense, thanks. I will write it on my wife's forehead as I will see it more readily. ;)
So my RV converter will do bulk charging at home or hook up campsite, and change the Solar30 to do that while dry camping. I guess I can handle this.

SkiSmuggs wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Put a nice heavy load on the battery bank when the panels are in the sun.

What did you choose for voltage set points?

I left the "ceases charging" parameter at 13.8 for now. I see where a couple of folks change theirs depending on circumstances which sounds like a little of a pain to remember. My panels are always there whether I am on shore power or not so I am open to suggestions.

Try 14.5V camping, 13.2V storage.

Write it down on paper, a small piece, then put some clear packing tape over the paper, on the solar charge controller, to seal it in place. Couldn't be easier to remember.

You don't get all the luxuries of home in an RV without a little bit of daily maintenance and routine. This is not plug and play, so get used to it, now.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Put a nice heavy load on the battery bank when the panels are in the sun.

What did you choose for voltage set points?

I left the "ceases charging" parameter at 13.8 for now. I see where a couple of folks change theirs depending on circumstances which sounds like a little of a pain to remember. My panels are always there whether I am on shore power or not so I am open to suggestions.

Hi,

Put a nice heavy load on the battery bank when the panels are in the sun.

What did you choose for voltage set points?

scrubjaysnest wrote:

SkiSmuggs wrote:
Okay, the battery was fully charged, connected to shore power, showing 13.7 on the controller, didn't check my voltage display and, at the time of the picture it was cloudy. I have disconnected shore power and am letting it sit for now as it is getting dark. I understand that it takes full sun at 90 degrees to panels to produce 10-11 amps (5.89 each). This isn't the Renogy kit but purchased separately over time with the Solar30 controller. I initially saw .3 with one panel connected and .6 amps with two, and that fell off to .3 with clouds. Is it possible to show panel amps that low with a fully charged battery? If so, maybe there is no problem.

Panel tilt needs to be ~ your latitude, not 90 degrees for max output.
Flat on the roof won't get max.

He did say that correctly. The panel does best with the sun right on it.

Panel tilt to get that at high noon is seldom the same as your latitude. Just twice a year on 21 March and 21 September.

For the curious only---

Panel tilt is the same as the zenith distance (90- sun's altitude) at high noon. For example, at 49N with Declination at 23 degrees on 21 June, Altitude 64 degrees,

ZD plus Dec = Lat and 90-64 =26 for ZD and 26 + 23 = 49

Your tilt on 21 June at 49N is 26 (same as ZD) to get the sun 90 degrees to the panel. When Dec is zero on 21 Mar and 21 Sep, that is when your tilt = your latitude.

Optimum tilt for the day is less than the tilt for noon so you can get more sun earlier and later. So once you know your best tilt for noon, lower the South facing panel by say 10 degrees and leave it there all day.

If you are twirling a tilted panel it is the opposite. Early and later in the day you want it tilted higher than at noon for best results.

SkiSmuggs wrote:
Okay, the battery was fully charged, connected to shore power, showing 13.7 on the controller, didn't check my voltage display and, at the time of the picture it was cloudy. I have disconnected shore power and am letting it sit for now as it is getting dark. I understand that it takes full sun at 90 degrees to panels to produce 10-11 amps (5.89 each). This isn't the Renogy kit but purchased separately over time with the Solar30 controller. I initially saw .3 with one panel connected and .6 amps with two, and that fell off to .3 with clouds. Is it possible to show panel amps that low with a fully charged battery? If so, maybe there is no problem.

Panel tilt needs to be ~ your latitude, not 90 degrees for max output.
Flat on the roof won't get max.

RJsfishin wrote:
Solar30 PWM Questions
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And this: Solar 30 Charge Controller?????

sushidog wrote:
Are you trying to charge your batteries with solar while the converter is on and charging them at the same time? This may be the culprit.

Remember, if your gas tank is full, you can't add any more gas. The controller knows this and is doing its job.

Chip

This probably sums it up!

Solar30 PWM Questions
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