I have one of the 200 watt Realogy kits and it's worked for years with no issues. I checked the settings on the controller and everything looked fine. I also tried to reconnect the panels to the controller but that didn't work. So I'm assuming it a connection on the roof most likely. However I can't get at the connections without removing the panels which are screwed in and covered in sealant, is there maybe a way to pull the panels up without taking the bolts out. It looked like it might be possible. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, it's just been one thing after the other this week and I was just talking about hit reliable solar panels are. This is seriously the fifth issue the week, some serious unfortunately.

A voltmeter is an essential tool to solve these problems.

This is EXACTLY WHY I would never-ever-ever-ever-ever use some shipdit connector assembly on a panel. I use soldered terminals, gooped for strain relief then chambers packed with silicone grease DLO wire to Soldered Weather Pack disconnects also packed with silicone grease.Household solar panels seldom run away from home and go bouncing down the interstate. The same issue as using household circuit breaker boxes and disconnects in an RV.There are inductive DC voltage wire tracers on the market. I sure would try to precisely locate the failure before grabbing the chainsaw.

I have a multimeter, is that the same thing? If not, what exactly do you . How to I use it to track down the problem? Thanks.There will be no chainsaws involved, lol. I world just have to clear the bolts and then remove the. The hopefully fix them and then reattach them and put more sealing on it. However I think there is a way to remove I without doing all that. Plus I don't like messing with holes in my roof. Especially since they've been nice and tightly sealed.

Check for power from the panel at the controller. You can check voltage and if your meter has the capability check amperage. If no power there then move to the roof. If the wires go straight into the panel junction box and not mc4 then you will need to go into the junction box and check for panel output in the box.Be sure you have positive to positive and negative to negative solar panel wires to controller

I believe it checks both. By positive to positive you mean it's 12v right? I think goes to mc4 those just connect the panels together correct? The problem is most of the wiring on the roof is under the panels, it looks like they may be able to slide or disconnect from the mounts somehow though I could be wrong, I'm just not sure how to do it. If I can't do that I'll have to cut away the sealant to get to the wiring I think. I should have watched my friend install it 3 years ago....

Solar panels not charging | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

buylow12
Explorer
Jun 25, 2018
I believe it checks both. By positive to positive you mean it's 12v right? I think goes to mc4 those just connect the panels together correct? The problem is most of the wiring on the roof is under the panels, it looks like they may be able to slide or disconnect from the mounts somehow though I could be wrong, I'm just not sure how to do it. If I can't do that I'll have to cut away the sealant to get to the wiring I think. I should have watched my friend install it 3 years ago....
azrving
Explorer
Jun 25, 2018
Check for power from the panel at the controller. You can check voltage and if your meter has the capability check amperage.

If no power there then move to the roof. If the wires go straight into the panel junction box and not mc4 then you will need to go into the junction box and check for panel output in the box.

Be sure you have positive to positive and negative to negative solar panel wires to controller
buylow12
Explorer
Jun 25, 2018
I have a multimeter, is that the same thing? If not, what exactly do you . How to I use it to track down the problem? Thanks.

There will be no chainsaws involved, lol. I world just have to clear the bolts and then remove the. The hopefully fix them and then reattach them and put more sealing on it. However I think there is a way to remove I without doing all that. Plus I don't like messing with holes in my roof. Especially since they've been nice and tightly sealed.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Jun 25, 2018
This is EXACTLY WHY I would never-ever-ever-ever-ever use some shipdit connector assembly on a panel. I use soldered terminals, gooped for strain relief then chambers packed with silicone grease DLO wire to Soldered Weather Pack disconnects also packed with silicone grease.

Household solar panels seldom run away from home and go bouncing down the interstate. The same issue as using household circuit breaker boxes and disconnects in an RV.

There are inductive DC voltage wire tracers on the market. I sure would try to precisely locate the failure before grabbing the chainsaw.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2018
A voltmeter is an essential tool to solve these problems.

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Solar panels not charging

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