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Topic: Trouble shooting factory installed solar (Read 648 times) previous topic - next topic
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Trouble shooting factory installed solar
I'm searching for someone knowledgeable of factory installed solar.


Thanks
2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #2 –
Hi Larry.
My solar system:
Inverter: PowerStar 400 watt Inverter, Model UPG400
Controller; RV-30s
Two solar panels. I'm thinking 100 watt panels

Issue: My controller started displaying random codes.
I inspected my batteries and discovered one had a slight bulge.
I'll be taking the batteries to O'Reilly's to test for charge.

See attached photos and video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VcspwN3R7A

2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #3 –
Hi Mark;  The inverter isn't part of the solar system.  The 'solar charging' system consists of the panels (convert photons to electrons), batteries to store the electrons as chemical potential, and a solar controller module. The controller informs about battery voltage, prevents the panels from overcharging, damaging the batteries or whatever components that are also connected to the batteries.
   A inverter is just one of many components connected to the batteries. Lights, motors, heating unit controllers, refrigerators are similar components. 
   If a battery is malfunctioning, it can cause the solar panel controller to appear to have a problem. Battery voltages can disclose many conditions of the battery, or multiple batteries in series like our typical Lazy Dazes. A voltmeter is a tool everyone should have. Simple but adequate ones can be as low as $10.    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #4 –
Ron pointed out, that without voltage measurements, we have no clues as to what is wrong.
There is a good chance the battery is bad but other things could be happening. You just asked if the generator can be started without a good battery, an indication the battery is bad.

Your rig has a very old solar controller, they have increased their efficiency over the decades and could be bad. I have had two solar controllers die over the last 22 years, the last replaced with a Blue Sky 3000i

Without more information, we can only guess what your rig's problem is. Electrical issues can be difficult to diagnose remotely, sometimes professional help is needed if your electrical skills are lacking.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #5 –
Thanks Ron,
I tested the batteries with a volt meter.
Battery 1: 6.14 volts
Battery 2: 7.33 volts
2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #6 –
If I reinstall my house batteries fully charge will they start the generator.
I'm in the process of placing my rig in storage. I need to run Sta-Bil through the generator before storing for the winter.
2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #7 –
Quote from: NADAZE!  - 
Thanks Ron,
I tested the batteries with a volt meter.
Battery 1: 6.14 volts
Battery 2: 7.33 volts

Assuming the converter or solar controller is operating to drive the one battery voltage to  7.33 volts. It appears the other battery is on its way out.
Shut the converter and solar controller off and see what the voltage of each battery is tomorrow. Please let us know what the readings are.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #8 –
Hi Larry.
I pulled the batteries. I have them in my garage. The wall charge controller's charging green light is on. Does that mean the solar panels are still operating?
2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #9 –
Quote from: NADAZE!  - 
Hi Larry.
I pulled the batteries. I have them in my garage. The wall charge controller's charging green light is on. Does that mean the solar panels are still operating?

We need more info.   The batteries are in the garage, but is anything (like a charger) attached to them?   The 7.33V reading suggests something might be attached.

The way to test the voltage is to leave the batteries alone (not attached to any loads or charges) for 8 hours or so and then check the resting voltage and report back. 

Green light on the charge controller could indicate that there is sun on the panels.   I would be curious to know it it's still green at night.   I have an aftermarket setup though, so I can't say what's going on in your situation.

Figuring out solar/charging/battery issues takes some patience and systematic troubleshooting.   Baseline battery condition is a great place to start. 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #10 –
Hi Rich.
The batteries are not connected to a charger. I pulled them from my LD yesterday.
 I'll check to see if the green charging light is on once the sun goes down.
2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #11 –
Just a side note. I've owned my LD for over 9 years. Never an issue with the solar.
2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #12 –
How old are the batteries?

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #13 –
2022 and this is the first time I've removed them from my RV during the winter.
2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #14 –
It's dark and I just checked the green light on my control panel. It's off.
So this is telling me the panels are functioning.
2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #15 –
Quote from: NADAZE!  - 
It's dark and I just checked the green light on my control panel. It's off.
So this is telling me the panels are functioning.

Maybe, no way to confirm this without measuring the solar panels and controller's amperage output when the sun is shining

Larry.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #16 –
Right now I just need enough power to start my generator so I can circulate Start-Bil through the system.
If I reinstall charged batteries will it turn over the generator?
2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #17 –

"If I reinstall charged batteries will it turn over the generator?"

Probably? But based on the voltages you measured--6.14 volts and 7.33 volts--your battery #1 probably has a bad cell, so no guarantees. It's worth a try, though. (I assume you mean STA-BIL.)

To add to what others have said:

1. If your batteries are still under warranty, you should see whether you can get a replacement for the bad one. Normally, it's a good idea to replace both batteries in a pair at the same time, but if they're only two years old, you might be OK replacing just one.

2. If you do decide to replace both batteries, seriously consider changing to lithium (LiFePO4) batteries. Lithium rechargeables have many advantages over lead-acid--more power, less weight, zero maintenance, and more--and prices have come down to where they're not much more expensive. Several of our members have had good experiences with SOK brand batteries. Avoid the widely advertised Battle Born brand. They're seriously overpriced, under-featured, and not particularly well constructed.

3. Definitely consider replacing your solar controller. The RV-30 is quite inefficient compared to the new MPPT controllers. (And if you go to lithium batteries, you'll need a controller that can be programmed for their requirements.) The Blue Sky SB3000i controller that Larry mentioned is a popular and reliable choice. It'll milk more power from the panels you have, and its three-stage charging is your batteries as well.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #18 –
Thanks Andy.
 I may be selling my LD this Spring. I don't want to invest the cost of lithium batteries. They are crazy expensive.
As far as the controller upgrade. I I purchased the one you mentioned would it be a plug and play or would it require rewiring?

Mark
2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #19 –
Quote from: NADAZE!  - 
Thanks Andy.
 I may be selling my LD this Spring. I don't want to invest the cost of lithium batteries. They are crazy expensive.
As far as the controller upgrade. If I purchased the one you mentioned would it be a plug and play or would it require rewiring?

The wiring is the same if installing a Blue Sky 3000i.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #20 –
Thanks Larry.
I will purchase and install one.
2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #21 –
"lithium batteries... are crazy expensive."

I'm not trying to talk you into anything, but just for the record: they're not.

A pair of 225 amp-hour Interstate 6V batteries--the low-cost alternative to the ones Lazy Daze installed--will run you around $400. A pair of 100 Ah 12 V lithium batteries (which actually give you more usable power) will cost anywhere from $340 to $600. They're only a little more expensive, if at all.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #22 –
Quote from: NADAZE!  - 
Thanks Larry.
I will purchase and install one.

The 3000i has a hardwired battery temperature sensor, I'm not sure if the RV-30s controller had one.
if so, the two sensors are different The RV-30s' sensor will need to be cut off, at the sensor, and the 3000ii's sensor will be spliced in using the same wire. This eliminates trying to run a new sensor wire from the solar controller to the battery.
If lithium batteries, the sensor is not needed and can be eliminated. The 300i work fine with lithium.

Are lithium costs too high? how about $188 each for a known brand?
LiTime 12V 100Ah LiFePO4 Lithium Deep Cycle Battery – LiTime-US
More choices here.
LiTime Battery Christmas Sale 2024 – LiTime-US

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #23 –
Thanks Larry.
With lithium batteries, can you use one 12 volt instead of two 6 volts?
2002 30' IB
Re: Trouble shooting factory installed solar
Reply #24 –
It doesn't appear the SB3000i has a battery sensor,
the SB3000i Temp sensor does.
2002 30' IB