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Rbertalotto's avatar
Rbertalotto
Explorer
Aug 04, 2013

Solar Panel Charge Issues..Trimetric 2025RV....HELP!

I thought this solar stuff would be easy........NOT!

I have a 120w Solar Cynergy Polycrystalline solar panel on the roof of my TC.....7' of #10 wire to the controller....18" of #10 wire to the shunt....12" #10 wire to the battery

I have one brand new 95AH Deep Cycle, Walmart (Johnson Controls) 12V battery....

I have a Phocos 20A controller....

My TC has a Centurion 3000 power converter , 1998 vintage...

I have a Trimetric 2025RV with a 500 Shunt....
Current Readings:
Volts ... 13.2
Amps .... -00.3
Percent Full... - - -

Settings:
P1 ...14.3
P2 ...02.
P3 ...090.
P4 ...A
P5 ...OFF
P6 ...OFF
P7 ...L1



My battery will only get to 13.2V and there it stays.

I have used a SEARS smart battery charger hooked up to it for a couple of days...13.2V..no more
http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinum-microprocessor-controlled-battery-charger-engine-starter/p-02871227000P?prdNo=11&blockNo=11&blockType=G11

I've left the Centurion 3000 on for days...Battery gets to 12.9 on a digital VOM and no higher

The solar panel is putting out 19- 27V over the course of the day (The camper is parked in a partially shaded area when not being used)

The Phocos is outputting only 12.8V no matter the output of the panel.

I have a feeling the Phocos is garbage.....Just a hunch. I want to replace it with a Morningstar Sunsaver 20A PWM

I have a feeling the SEARS charger is rubbish. I've ordered the Black and Decker VEC1093DBD as it is spoken of extremely highly on this and other forums.

I'm not sure I have the Trimetric set properly. ??? Why is "% Full" still showing three dashes?

What is the best way to monitor the solar panel output....Simple volt meter or a clamp on amp meter? When I park for best sun exposure, does it matter whether I'm monitoring Volts or Amps?

Looking at my system, how come my battery won't come up to 14+ volts as I see referenced in many posts and articles here on the internet.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

11 Replies

  • Hi,

    Replace the controller. With 19 to 27 volts from the panel MPPT would be a better choice than PWM.

    Monitor amps if you can.

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