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opinion:frater_secessus:solar_not_charging

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My solar isn't charging

Reminder: a solar charge controller makes power

  1. when power is demanded for charging or loads
  2. 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 charge-and-stop Lithium profile that is in the stopped phase. This seems to catch Renogy users by surprise most often.

because the panels aren't receiving full sunlight

  • 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 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

opinion/frater_secessus/solar_not_charging.1693868566.txt.gz · Last modified: 2023/09/04 19:02 by frater_secessus