New Victron Solar Controller - help needed please

[*CJ*]

We've just changed the solar controller in our van to a Victron. But I'm not sure whether we've got the settings correct. Under Battery Settings you are able to change battery type, but I don't know which it's most likely. The battery is a Solarflow SFL110MF.

Also, I m not sure everything is working properly.This is a screenshot of the display today in intermittent sun/clouds.

I'd really appreciate any help on this, as it's all new to me. Thanks.

 

[Dellmassive]

Post a few more pics when the sun come out.

And the battery settings team in the app.

 

[*CJ*]

Hi, thanks for that. This is while the sun's out. We're thinking that the panel might be faulty, as other people seem to get far higher Watts from theirs. Also attached are battery settings.

 

[Skyliner33]

That Solarflow is a “wet” battery. That’s the wrong setting.

 

[Vanbus]

Test the panel by disconnecting the cables to solar regulator, test these 2 cables to see what voltage you have. Heres one of our installs where we tested prior to connection, this was inside workshop....

 

[StratosFearXX]

What's the Wattage of the solar panel, assuming it's more than about 30W then your panel is kaput.

 

[Anakin]

Isn’t it just because there is no load? If the battery is full, or there is nothing pulling a load from the panel, then there will be no current.

 

[StratosFearXX]

Isn’t it just because there is no load? If the battery is full, or there is nothing pulling a load from the panel, then there will be no current.

Charging is showing 'bulk' mode so should be pulling more than 10Watts.

 

[Anakin]

Good point, and a panel voltage of only 13.64V is quite low.

 

[Salty Spuds]

Panel voltage of 13ish Volts = knackered panel. Is it a flexible one?

 

[Grim Reaper]

We need to know a few details..
What panel is fitted? Make/Model/Wattage?
The VOC (voltage open circuit) measured in Volts
The ISC (Current Short Circuit) measured in Amps
Which model of Victron charge controller you have bought to be sure it's best suited for the output of the panel. No point using a 150/60 if a 75/15 would suffice.
The battery you are trying to charge should be depleted somewhat, if the battery is already charged it won't suck as much power out of the panel/controller as it will when it's flat.
Also as pointed out earlier, you've picked the wrong settings for your battery. Choose a lead acid profie.
Update the firmware on the Victron before doing anything.

 

[*CJ*]

Test the panel by disconnecting the cables to solar regulator, test these 2 cables to see what voltage you have. Heres one of our installs where we tested prior to connection, this was inside workshop....

View attachment 297605

Thank you. Panel showed 22v a couple of weeks ago. Tested again yesterday and it was 20.5v.

 

[*CJ*]

What's the Wattage of the solar panel, assuming it's more than about 30W then your panel is kaput.

Not sure, as it came with the van. I'm guessing 100w, but could be less.

 

[*CJ*]

Panel voltage of 13ish Volts = knackered panel. Is it a flexible one?

Yes, it's flexible. Shows 20-22v when tested disconnected from the controller.

 

[*CJ*]

We need to know a few details..
What panel is fitted? Make/Model/Wattage?
The VOC (voltage open circuit) measured in Volts
The ISC (Current Short Circuit) measured in Amps
Which model of Victron charge controller you have bought to be sure it's best suited for the output of the panel. No point using a 150/60 if a 75/15 would suffice.
The battery you are trying to charge should be depleted somewhat, if the battery is already charged it won't suck as much power out of the panel/controller as it will when it's flat.
Also as pointed out earlier, you've picked the wrong settings for your battery. Choose a lead acid profie.
Update the firmware on the Victron before doing anything.

No idea re panel, it came with the van (approx 2 years old)

VOC has been 22v and subsequently 20.5.
ISC don't know

The Victron is 100/15

Not sure how to select a lead acid profile on the battery settings, as these are the only ones offered

I updated the firmware when we installed it.

Thank you for your help.

 

[StratosFearXX]

Suspect you'll need to go into expert mode for your wet battery, odd that it doesn't give an option for a standard wet battery (mine doesn't either) but I don't know what values you'd need to enter in expert mode.