Clean solar panels and connectors with damp soft cloth. They are also expensive, and the maintenance alone makes some people think - how else can I get clean energy into my home for a lower cost? Turn it southward for the northern hemisphere. We had two requirements in reducing our electrical cost; find a way to reduce our daily demand and then create supplemental power that we would use in our house and feed back to the local electric grid. As the deep cycle battery absorbs more and more charge, the rate of charge will slow down until it is fully charged. 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A solar battery bank will take in an unusually high voltage when it is first being charged since the battery SOC is at its lowest. Handle panel with care. Install and use according to applicable National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. Note: It is normal to see up to 20% degradation in Mono-crystalline solar panel performance within the first 6 months before the Mono-crystalline stabilizes. More than a month and you battery will be needing replacement. Angle the solar panel towards the sun. If it is working correctly in the sunlight, it will show a voltage of 10 to 17 volts, but if no voltage is being shown, there may be a problem with the connection on the solar panel itself. Hey Saint Augustine, how does it feel to have your question answered with sarcasm, derision, and condescension? If you need to connect two or more solar panels together, this work must be done by a qualified electricianunless they are connected through a regulator. As we talked about above, this is where you will need a digital multimeter to measure DC voltage using probes, one red, and one black. E27 7.5W Smart LED Bulb - Multi colour - Control f Get the latest Solar Gadgets news via email. Solar battery charge is measured in terms of state-of-charge (SOC) otherwise known as the voltage within the battery. NOTE: If you are charging an iPhone there are some extra things to watch out for. The state-of-charge voltage varies slightly depending on the type of deep cycle battery being used. Just note that the Freshdesk Support Desk service is pretty big on some cookies (we love the choco-chip ones), and some portions of Freshdesk Support Desk may not work properly if you disable cookies. If you have anything more than a clock drawing the 12v, you will still kill the battery. To reset them you just need to disconnect and reconnect them to the panel. Current Visibility: Viewable by moderators and the original poster, Victron Toolkit App for Android or iPhone here, Please help us Answer the Unanswered Questions. If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. Dry thoroughly. But my original question is where can I find the actual code that the controller gives off incase there was an error in the future, the actual number code. Do not service during rain, fog, orany other wet/humid weather. Solar panels charge deep cycle batteries through the use of a solar charge controller. Gotcha on the blinking light. Wear splash-resistant ANSI-approved safety goggles and electrically insulated gloves while working near batteries. My wife and I chose Select Solar, to install a photovoltaic (PV) system after lengthy research and talking to other solar installers. Do not drill additional holes in panel. Well also assume you agree to the way we use cookies and are ok with it as described in our Privacy Policy, unless you choose to disable them altogether through your browser. DANGERIndicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. If the voltage within a battery has decreased without usage, that means that it has a defect, most likely one of the cells within it has stopped working. It is a good idea to regularly check the condition of your solar bank, and there are a couple of ways to do this: The first way to do this is the easiest: first, charge the deep cycle batteries within your solar battery bank fully. The state-of-charge is how much charge is left within a single deep cycle battery or a solar battery bank. Check for loose hardware, wiring insulation damage or weathering, cracked glass, open housing, cracked or broken parts, loose or corroded contacts, and any other condition that may affect its safe operation. Attachments: Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total. Were on a mission to accelerate a net-zero carbon future by transforming the way people access clean energy. The phone manufacturers are starting to standardise around a mini USB port which should help to reduce these problems.The Violetta and the Powerfilm chargers come with USB ports, so you'll need a USB to mini USB or USB to your phone connection to use them. You will need to disconnect the battery and measure the voltage of the wires. Not only is it a renewable energy source, and therefore beneficial to the environment, it will save you money in the long term! I can understand his confusion and would try to help if I was a solar expert. In the Summer, decrease the angle by up to 10. Charge, store, and maintain batteries according to suppliers instructions. I have used a plu in "float" charger on my tractor battery for several winters with success. Text is copyright Select Solar Ltd. No part of this text may be reproduced or copied without written permission from Select Solar Ltd. quick and efficiant service would recommed them to anybody. Cover all solar panels with an opaque cover, such as a blanket. Any grid tie-in system must meet all applicable building and electrical codes, and must meet standards established by the area power company. In other words, at night or on a dark day. I just installed my 100 | 50 MPPT and the bulk (blue light) is blinking indicating not charge. Maintain product labels and nameplates. Summer production will be higher than in the winter. In the Winter, increase the panels angle by 10. First, you should measure the voltage of the solar panel itself. Hi @Marck, the blue light blinking just means that the unit has a power source, it's not an error code. Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of purchase. Next, you should measure the voltage of the point where the solar panel is connected to the battery. Generally, a solar panel that provides 1 amp of electrical energy will fully charge a battery in 5 to 8 hours in full sunshine, but this time can be increased as the angle of the sun changes or if it becomes overcast. Improper installation can create hazards. Also the App is indicating 0 W from solar. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges prepaid. WARNINGTO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK:Before service, maintenance or cleaning: TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ELECTRIC SHOCK OR CUTS:Do not use damaged solar panel.If wiring insulation is damaged or weathered, glass is cracked, or housing is opened, have the problem corrected before further use. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. This is not a derisive comment, it's intention is to allow some perspective. Did you know you dont need to pay for coal-driven electricity if you dont want to? WARNINGTO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION: Make sure that the Power Switch/Trigger is in the off-position and unplug the tool from its electrical outlet before performing any procedure in this section. SmartSolar MPPT 150/85 VE.Can - No current flow in Bulk with PV at VOC, Large difference between solar blanket voltage output and Victron dashboard, Peak Power Pack 40Ah and SmartSolar charge controller - how to connect & setup. As we touched on above, a solar charge controller is used to ensure a battery does not get overcharged. Install only according to these instructions. After this time, check the voltage of each battery within your solar bank again. 1.5 will not maintain much. Do not wire multiple panels in series. Toggle Comment visibility. We empower our customers to choose clean energy and a subscription plan thats right for them that means a stable, monthly bill, with no unexpected fees or the worry that youre contributing to environmental harm. Nearby trees or tall plants will drop debris, requiring the panels to be cleaned more frequently. Not sure if renewable energy is right for you? CAUTIONIndicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury. Dry Solar Panels and outdoor wiring thoroughly. Awards, Guide To Charging A Mobile Phone With Solar Power, E27 7.5W Smart LED Bulb - Multi colour - Control from your Smartphone WIFI. It would be used to keep the truck battery charged between uses. 1.5 watts is a joke. Follow ladder suppliers precautions whenever working near or on a ladder. WARNINGRead all safety warnings and all instructions.Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. However, in poor light conditions a larger panel will continue to generate sufficient power when a less powerful panel will not. If the voltage has increased from your first measurement, that means the battery is charging successfully. If you already own a solar system, then in this article, we will answer all the most common questions we hear about solar batteries and take you through how to measure the state of charge of your solar battery bankin your home. Thanks for this Q&A forum. Increase output ratings by 25% when determining component required voltage and amperage ratings. These batteries are known as secondary batteries because they can be recharged and used again and again for years. Install components with enough space to allow proper cooling. The warnings, precautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. http://www.harborfreight.com/15-watt-12-volt-solar-panel-96418.html, http://www.harborfreight.com/15-Watt-Solar-Battery-Charger-68692.html, http://www.solar-electric.com/solar-charge-controller-basics.html. Folding and rollable solar panels such as the MMP, Sunlinq and Powerfilm panels are supplied with a cigarette lighter socket attachment into which you plug your in-car charger (12V cigarette lighter plug). Note: For additional information regarding the parts listed in the following pages, refer to the Assembly Diagram near the end of this manual. If you want to know how to check what charge your solar battery has, just keep reading! the. This means you can charge your phone even when there is no sunlight - at night for example - so long as youve charged your battery during the day. An incorrectly installed grid tie-in system can cause feedback voltage, resulting in electrocution of electrical utility workers. Yes, you can overcharge a battery using a solar panel. Exercise special caution if working on roof or another high location. Bright sunny days will generate higher output than cloudy days. This is what tells you the SOC voltage in each cell of the battery. The battery can be an internal Lithium-ion (eg. With this method, you need to record the initial voltage of the battery, then connect the load and keep it running for somewhere between 30 to 90 seconds and re-record the battery voltage. Thanks anyway. Company Registration Number: 04303044 VAT no: 794270796. What impressed us first was how easy it was to talk with Colin Howe and how knowledgeable he was with the current state of the solar industry. This voltage level should be very slightly less than the voltage measured on the actual solar panel, but if there is no voltage reading, there may be a break in the connection along the wires. Some batteries will have built-in protection from these temperatures, but if yours do not, you need to make sure you take the necessary precautions. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. Some of you might try "bib gig" the concept. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute("id","a6fc096dfb9aa84401fc01f7a8ae6e28");document.getElementById("afe6277d1c").setAttribute("id","comment"); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Locate the Solar Panel where it will receive full, unobstructed sunlight, especially during midday. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. Install the charge controller/regulator and batteries in a weatherproof enclosure with proper ventilation. When your solar battery bank is maintained correctly, you can get the most out of your solar power system so that it lasts for many years. THE BUYER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO. Could that be it? Keep installation area clean and well lit. With regard to error codes, however, you can download the Victron Toolkit App for Android or iPhone here (scroll down the page a bit), and there is an "LED Definitions" section within it that may be helpful for you in the future again, however, you are not currently seeing any error codes, so it's not immediately relevant.