Need some help with Solar issue

ok, cant see the probe tips,

you defo got the polarity of the panel correct,?

+- -+

.


1714758897143.png

.
 
The panel came taped with + and - and I followed onwards accordingly. I even taped the positive so I could identify it in the van when I poked it through
 
check what current you have coming from the PV panel.

move the red meter lead over to the 10A socket.

and move the selector round to the 10A setting,

then go direct across the PV cables. . . should get an Amp or two . . (light is starting to fade now)

1714759390264.png



+++++++++++


then remember to put the lead back into the Volts socket and set the dial back to volts.

++++++++++
 
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Did you use the split mc4 connectors? Got a pic of that connection?

Fitted a replacement like for like Solar panel on the van , on the previous panel to avoid the hell of adhesive removal off the roof. Will see how it goes staying put . Then wire it up tomorrow via mc4 connectors this time and new cable with split mc4 so I can plug in an additional 100w Solar panel if needed to boost things up a bit in hotter weather whilst out n about.
 
that tells me the panel is knackered then. . . . (or just not enough light to generate any power)

it cant provide any voltage under load. . .

basically the VOC of 20 odd volts is being pulled down to nothing when we try and pull any power from it,

whats the story with the panel?

new? old? flexable etc?
 
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Brand new from Photonic Universe a week or two ago , flexible (did not bend it or anything) was super careful. I actually tested it for volts (assumed that was all needed) on opening it up before fitting.

80w panel exact like for like replacement of previous panel.

Absolutely cheesed off now.
 
might need to double check tomorrow with better daylight.

as its getting dark now.

drop a link to the panel so we can check the website.

what wattage etc?
 
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only 80w so you wont get much from it . .


............


that test before tests this :

  • Short circuit current: 4.20A

but with no sun you wont get much . . ---


but i would have expected 0.5A / 1.0A - something

.............


Solar panel specifications:

  • Peak power: 80W
  • Maximum power voltage: 20.2V
  • Maximum power current: 3.96A
  • Open circuit voltage: 23.9V
  • Short circuit current: 4.20A
  • Power allowance range: +/- 5%
  • Solar Panel Dimensions: 1365 x 350 x 4 mm
  • Junction Box Dimensions: 90 x 16 x 16 mm
  • Weight: 3.05 kg
  • 2 x 1m of high quality single core solar cable (4mm² cross section)
  • Male and female MC4 connectors





1714762092335.png
 
I did but took it off after the first fix to concentrate on the primary set up first.
Ah ok, that's good. But also not good as it might have been a strange set up with the split mc4 connectors.

You might be getting 0a when testing the short circuit current because of zero sun. Test it again with decent sun, that 80w panel should give 4.2a in full direct sun, with no load (not connected to anything, as you tested above).
 
only 80w so you wont get much from it . .


............


that test before tests this :

  • Short circuit current: 4.20A

but with no sun you wont get much . . ---


but i would have expected 0.5A / 1.0A - something

.............


Solar panel specifications:

  • Peak power: 80W
  • Maximum power voltage: 20.2V
  • Maximum power current: 3.96A
  • Open circuit voltage: 23.9V
  • Short circuit current: 4.20A
  • Power allowance range: +/- 5%
  • Solar Panel Dimensions: 1365 x 350 x 4 mm
  • Junction Box Dimensions: 90 x 16 x 16 mm
  • Weight: 3.05 kg
  • 2 x 1m of high quality single core solar cable (4mm² cross section)
  • Male and female MC4 connectors





View attachment 239605
Yeah it was the same as previous mainly so I didn’t have to rip off the old panel and used it as a footprint.

Actually just thought I have a 100w portable panel with mc4 I might test that on the system tomorrow too?
 
Yeah it was the same as previous mainly so I didn’t have to rip off the old panel and used it as a footprint.

Actually just thought I have a 100w portable panel with mc4 I might test that on the system tomorrow too?
Yes definitely. If you can, plug it in now - you might only see 1v but that would be enough to confirm the MPPT is ok. Obviously the battery won't charge at that.
 
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