====== common power station issues ======

===== TL;DR =====

  * Power Stations (//PS// hereafter) generally perform to spec. 
  * most "problems" result from **unrealistic expectations**, which result from 
    * failure to assess [[electrical:12v:dailypowerrequirements|actual requirements]] before purchase
    * failure to consider [[electrical:12v:power_mix|how one will recharge]] before purchase
    * failure to read online specs/manuals before purchase


===== must I use the PS brand's proprietary solar panels? =====

No, you can use any panel that meets spec.  Consult the power station's [[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator#solar_charging_limits|solar ("PV") input specs]] and buy panel[s] whose [[electrical:solar:panels#specifications|output specs]] are within the the stated limits of the PS' internal [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|solar charge controller]].  For the purposes of this section we will use these actual specs for reference:

''12v-45v, 10A''

In this case 

  * panel((or panel string, if wired in series)) Vmp must be ≥12.0v
  * panel Voc must be ≤45.0v
  * the controller will allow ≤10A of input current((although the inner workings of PS are often undocumented, //generally speaking// MPPT controllers will [[electrical:solar:status#in_absorption|drive Vpanel > Vmp toward Voc to limit current]] to a particular spec))

Sometimes the spec will also state the voltage range where the panels can be run at maximum power:

''MPPT range 15v-38v''

This tells us that Vmp can be anywhere from 15v to 38v.  Outside that range (but within the absolute limits above) the panels will make //something// but not maximum power.

==== maxxing out the solar input ====

Power station solar input docs give a Max Wattage spec with a voltage range and usually a current limit.  In the case of our example that limit is ''10A''.

Watts = Volts x Amps, so the Vmp of our panel((or panel string if in series)) will dictate what we can get //at that 10A limit//:

  * 18Vmp x 10A = 180w
  * 36Vmp x 10A = 360w
  * 40Vmp x 10A = 400w


Sometimes no current limit is stated and we have to back into it.  In our case the 500w will be attainable at at 45v, suggesting the current limit is 11.11A (500w / 45v).  Remember the panel's Voc cannot exceed 45v so we cannot really run a 45Vmp panel.((Voc is always > Vmp, typically by ~20%))

==== can I overpanel my power station? ====

[[electrical:solar:overpaneling#vs_charge_controller|Overpaneling]] ("too much" panel for the controller) is common with standalone MPPT [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|solar charge controllers]].  The controller simply "trims" the excess current by manipulating the solar panels.    

In theory, overpaneling the MPPT in a power station should work the same way.  In practice they are "black boxes" with relatively little documentation from the manufacturers.  Overpanel at your own risk (and share the results if you try it).





===== my PS only has one DC outlet =====

you can run the DC output to a bus or fuse box to split the connection.  The total current must be within the PS' DC ouput limit;  see below.

===== the DC outlets don't have enough power to run my DC loads =====

There is no easy/cheap way around this.  Buy a PS that has sufficient specs to meet your needs.  
===== my PS doesn't charge well from the 12v ciggy port =====

  - bad connection - [[electrical:12v:ports#the_cigarette_outlet|12v ciggy ports]] are substandard even on their best behavior.  
  - the chassis voltage is varying, so the 12v volt outlet voltage is varying, so the charge rate is varying (I=V/R)
  - the power station is throttling charge rate

> and if theres a way to have it always charge at 100w?

That depends on the cause, the power station, and one's ability/willingness to DIY a solution.  And it can't be //always//, just more of the time.((the nature of Absorption requires current to taper to avoid overshooting the voltage setpoint)) 

==== if the problem is the connection ====


... then fix the connection.  Clean/adjust/replace as needed.  Anderson PowerPoles are a common upgrade.  

==== if the problem is ciggy port voltage ====


If the wall charger output is 100w you could even run a cheap inverter from the ciggy port and plug the wall charger into that.  It would be inefficient but we don't really care because the numbers are small and alternator output relative massive.  This approach would work because the wall charger's output is usually at the higher end of the SG's DC input voltage limit. 

If the wall charger >100w((>100w wall charger + inverter losses could exceed the ciggy port's output limit, typically 10A.)) you could get more consistent charging by boosting/regulating voltage up as described above.  So if the wall charger runs at 15v one might boost the outlet's voltage to 15v.  


If it's a **larger PS** that can accept 100s of watts it might be easier to run [[electrical:12v:alternator#isolator_without_a_house_battery|a semi-DIY relay/inverter setup]].  


===== Can I charge my SG with a regular DC-DC charger? =====

Maybe.  There are several factors involved:

  - some [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC chargers]] need to see the target battery's voltage before charging will start.  These are often called "smart" chargers.  If the DC-DC needs to see the voltage before charging but the SG does not expose that voltage to the DC charging //input// then the charger will not start.  
  - if the above condition is met, then the DC-DC's voltage output needs to be within the PS's voltage input range. If the input requires ≥20v then it will not charge from a nominal 12v DC-DC charger.
  - if the above conditions are met the PS input current may still be quite limited.   See the [[#maxxing_out_the_solar_input|maxxing]] section to get the most from the charging run.