====== My solar isn't charging ======

Reminder:  a [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|solar charge controller]] makes power

  - //when power is demanded// for [[electrical:12v:charging|charging]] or [[electrical:12v:loads|loads]]
  - up to its abilities under present conditions

In most cases the system is working as designed but the owner doesn't know it.  


===== because no power is being demanded =====

If no power is demanded then no power is produced.  This can happen when 

  * the batteries are full, or
  * you are using a [[https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/168v6ny/weekly_rvandwellers_qa_topic/jz5n8yg/|charge-and-stop Lithium profile]] that is in the //stopped// phase.   This seems to catch Renogy users by surprise most often. 


==== charge-and-stop ====

Charge-and-stop usually charges to 14.2v or 14.4v then stops until nank voltage drops to 13.2v before restarting Bulk charging. This occurs because charge-and-stop does not use a Float setpoint.((Li doesn't need Floating in the lead-acid sense, but [[opinion:frater_secessus:electrical:12v:drop-in_lifepo4#mythyou_shouldn_t_float_lithium|it can still be useful]].))  

Under very light loads this would result in cycling between 90% and 100% state of charge.  Because of [[electrical:12v:voltage_sag|voltage sag]] heavy loads might result in cycling between 95% - 100%.  

If this is undesirable behavior you can set up a USER profile with whatever setpoints you wish ([[electrical:12v:drop-in_lifepo4#mythyou_can_t_charge_li_with_a_lead_battery_charger|suggested settings]]).
===== because the panels aren't receiving full sunlight =====

  * [[electrical:solar:shading|partial shade]] is a killer
  * rainclouds
  * inside a parking garage or under a tree, etc


===== because the BMS has shut down charging =====

...because of temperature extremes of [[opinion:frater_secessus:lifepo4_charging_voltage|excessive charging voltage]]. (lithium only)


===== because something has actually gone wrong =====

It's rare, but sometimes things happen. Fuses pop. Branches reach under and disconnect solar cables  Parts fail. 



====== further reading ======


  * [[electrical:solar:status|is my solar working?]]