I need HELP!!!: Solar Not Charging The Battery

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Solar Not Charging The Battery

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14115
Printed Date: 25 May 2025 at 7:40pm
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Topic: Solar Not Charging The Battery

Posted By: trajoi
Subject: Solar Not Charging The Battery
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2020 at 9:42am

Hello Fellow Rpoders!

I was able to get the solar control panel working - it looks like it is charging. 13.7V.

BUT yesterday, it showed a full battery, but on my RV panel, the battery level kept going down all day, and then my 12v power where my TV and internet is plugged into lost power.

Everything works fine when I am on shore power.

Everything works fine, and the battery level shows 2/3 after being plugged into shore power... until it doesn't, after a few hours of being on battery power only.

It just seems that it is showing that the panel is charging, but it actually isn't.

I checked all fuses - they are good.

What am I doing wrong?

Thank you and any help/advice would be priceless!

Tracey

___________________________

2015 4Runner

2021 Rpod 196

Replies:

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2020 at 10:28am

Either your solar charge controller is not actually connected to the battery or you have a load on your battery that is greater than the solar module can cover but less than the converter can provide. From what you're describing its likely the latter. The converter can provide up to 55 amps, a 100 watt solar module provides about 6-7 amps max IF it is in full sun and pointed at the sun. If has been sunny and the solar module isn't getting shaded at all, right? It only takes 1 or 2 cells in the module getting shaded to kill its output.

Do you have a multimeter? If you suspect the solar isn't charging, disconnect one of the battery leads at the charge controller and measure the voltage between that lead and the other battery lead. You should see the same voltage there as at the battery. If you don't then you have something disconnected between the two locations.

More likely you have a load drawing significant current somewhere. Is your fridge on 12V? Is your breakaway brake pin pulled out? Lights, fan, furnace, or TV left on?

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: trajoi
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2020 at 10:36am

Thank you so much! I will check the voltage.

I put the fridge on propane, so I don't think it is the fridge. The only thing that I have running all day is my internet, which is plugged into a small inverter, that is plugged into the 12v where the tv usually is plugged in.

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2020 at 10:47am

That little inverter might be taking more current than you'd think. You might want to disconnect it for awhile and see if that brings the battery voltage up.

Does your multimeter measure dc current? If so you can clamp it on one of the battery cables and see what is going in and out. Disconnect the solar and converter to check the load currents, disconnect the loads to check the charging currents.

Do also check your breakaway brake pin to be sure it hasn't been pulled accidentally. That will feed about 12 amps to your trailer brakes which will kill a battery pretty fast.

Are you sure your battery is good? How old and what capacity is it?

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: trajoi
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2020 at 10:50am

I will test all of the things that you suggested.

The breakaway pin is not pulled. I will unplug the inverter and see if that is the culprit as well.

Everything is brand new, as I just bought this in August.

Thank you!!

Posted By: trajoi
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2020 at 2:00pm

I found the problem! My wires connected to the solar control panel were not screwed in all the way. It seems to be charging now. I think they came loose from my last drive from CO to NM.

Thank you for all of your help!