Solar Battery Charge Issue
Hello I have a 100W Renogy solar suitcase charging two AutoZone Duralast lead acid Marine deep cycle group 24 batteries. Batteries are 3 years old. Lately I have noticed the charging cycle time drasti...
Forum Discussion
KenS999 wrote:
I am charging strictly by solar. Charge controller is a Renogy Voyager. Absorption phase of charging cycle always runs at 14.7V. Equalization is automatically run by charge controller when necessary. Until recently I was able to achieve float within 3-4 hours. Now it can take 6 to 7 hours to achieve float. Thanks,Ken
It is not physically possible to equalize a 200 amp-hour battery bank with a 100 watt panel. You would need at least 120 watts, with absolutely perfect solar conditions, and perfect tracking of the sun. I suggest bumping up to 200 watts of panels.
I'm not familiar with the Voyager controller. On mine, I have to move a dip switch to allow for equalization (or not), which then allows equalization every 30 days. I added an external switch to my controller to allow me to easily toggle an equalization charge. Sometimes I do that to get a few more amp-hours of harvest.
Does the Voyager do temperature compensated charging?
So I repeat, fully charge the bank. Then do a proper equalization charge most probably using 14.8 volts. You may need to "push" that to 15.3 volts. Finally, check the battery bank with a hygrometer.
You are extremely frugal on your power use. So kudos for that!
