Simple Troubleshooting

This section offers advice on basic check to perform if the system fails to operate as expected. If there is a problem with the system, check these items first.

Are the battery connections tight and free of corrosion?

Are all the breakers in the ON position?

Are all fuses intact (not blown)?

Are all wire terminations on the DIN rail tight and fully connected?

Are the solar panels clean of dirt, bird excrement, or debris?

Are the solar panels clear of obstructions that could shade the panels at some point during the day? Have seasonal changes in the sun's position created partial shading?

Is the system in Low Voltage Disconnect mode?

Does the load Amperage or duty cycle exceed the system's power capability?

Have additional loads been added?

If after checking and correcting these conditions the system still does not operate, test the voltages as instructed below.

Testing the Batteries and Solar Array

1. Test each battery:

Ensure that the circuit breakers are turned to the “off” position. Using a voltmeter, place the red lead on the positive connection of the first battery that you are testing and the black lead on the negative terminal of the battery.

Voltmeter readings should fall in these ranges:

12V                  12.4-13.6V

24V                  24.8-27.2V

48V                  49.6-52.4V

If battery readings fall below this range, recharge the batteries to resume normal operation.

2. Test the Battery Bank:

Ensure that the circuit breakers are turned to the “off” position.  Using a voltmeter, place the red lead on the positive connection of the first battery in the series and place the black lead on the negative terminal of the last battery in the series.

Voltmeter readings should fall in these ranges:

12V                  13-14V

24V                  26-28V

48V                  52-56V

If battery readings are below this range, recharge the batteries to resume normal operation.

3. Test the System Batteries at the Circuit Breaker:

Ensure that the Solar and Battery circuit breakers are turned to the “off” position.

Using a voltmeter, place the red lead on the positive connection and the black lead on the negative terminal connection as shown in the picture below.

The voltmeter should read approximately 26-27 Volts depending on the sunlight level.

4. Test the Solar Array at the Circuit Breaker:

Ensure that the circuit breakers are turned to the “off” position.

Using a voltmeter, test the solar array by placing the red lead on the positive connection and the black lead on the negative terminal as shown in the picture below.

The voltmeter should read between 38-44 V depending on the sunlight level.