Solar panels
Could someone please advise on how you know if a solar panel is working.
We have a Bessacar E560 and a portable solar panel came with the van.
The reading on our panel does not improve when the solar panel is plugged in. How do we know if it is charging the battery.
The solar panel is working, the inverter says charging, but there is no change in the battery reading.
Sorry for our ignorance on this
Julian & Alvys
Comments
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The output of a solar panel will vary depending on the amount of light it is exposed to. Put a voltmeter across the output terminals of the panel just to make sure it is producing power.. That should not be too difficult to check with a portable panel. You should also have a regulator with the panel and you should also check the output of that. With good sunlight, you should be looking for something in excess of 13 volts. Actual voltage will depend on the regulator and the state of charge of the battery to which it is connected.
peedee
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To ensure reliable result completely disconnect the solar panel from the battery and controller before testing. The solar panel should have a label on it somewhere indicating the open circuit voltage to expect.
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