Solar Panel Controls?

[Bestdays26]

First time post

We have a solar panel fitted and I’m struggling to work out if it’s working

Does anyone have a similar set up with the electrical controls for a panel and could share some guidance?

How do you know the solar panel is powering the leisure battery?

Does it need to be switched off?

Any advice appreciated

 

[airhoguk]

It appears to be indicating your battery is full. Are lights flashing or on? That charge controller is a pwm type as opposed to a mppt which are more efficient at power conversion. I can’t find any instructions for your one on the internet

 

[kesia]

Yeah, you should definitely have some sort of controller in the system. It’s what manages the charge going into your battery, so without it you’re risking overcharging and shortening the battery’s life.

That said, it’s not always obvious—some setups have the controller built into a unit like a DC-DC charger, so it might be there without you realising. Worth checking what kit you’ve got installed before assuming it’s missing.

If there genuinely isn’t one, I’d be a bit concerned, especially if it’s more than just a tiny panel. I’d probably trace the wiring or stick up a couple of photos—someone on here will spot it straight away

 

[StratosFearXX]

Time to upgrade to a smart Bluetooth solar controller, you could wire that in using the same connections you have already.

In the meantime your battery is full and that big red switch will switch it off.

 

[Bigsidavies]

The cut out switch being between the solar controller and the battery may cause problems if you fit a Victron mppt. The Victron can be damaged by having a solar input with no output to a battery, which is essentially what will occur when you interrupt the pos to battery with the cutoff switch.
Should it not be positioned in the feed from the solar panel to the solar controller?

 

[PhillH]

You can test the output from your panel on a bright day with a multimeter. Disconnect the incoming cables from the solar panel to the controller and check the volts and amps with a multimeter.

Or you can disconnect your hook up, put any 12v equipment on to drop your battery voltage and watch your solar controller to see if it shows the input or voltage increase

 

[Dellmassive]

FYI:

this is your solar controller in GREEN, showing 14.4v

and this is a solar to battery isolator switch RED.




and here:

Yellow - EHU battery charger for leisure battery.
Blue - mains consumer unit for EHU in and switchews for the sockets.
Purple - leisure battery

 

[Salty Spuds]

I don’t see what the isolator between the solar controller and battery brings to the party. Personally I’d remove it.

 

[ORION]

Nice summary / pics by @Dellmassive

As others have said I would remove the battery cut off switch. Bit pointless really.

That is just a pretty basic solar controller. I have the same one in my shed. It's OK for a basic set up ( like the shed )

Personally I would upgrade to the popular Victron MPPT unit with Bluetooth MPPT ( not much money for a big upgrade ).

Easy DIY as just screwing cables in

Here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/MPPT-controller-Victron-Energy-75/dp/B075NTT8GH?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=

Using the Victron App on your phone you can monitor solar input to your hearts content. I found it really useful on my van setup.

I added this solar isolator before the controller in case the panel needed attention or swapping etc. Not essential but possibly useful long term.

DEWIN Solar Isolator Switch, 1 in 1 out 1 String PV DC Circuit Breakers Switch IP65 Outdoor Waterproof PV Combiner Box Mini Circuit Breaker MCB 500V 32A for Solar Panel Grid System : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

DEWIN Solar Isolator Switch, 1 in 1 out 1 String PV DC Circuit Breakers Switch IP65 Outdoor Waterproof PV Combiner Box Mini Circuit Breaker MCB 500V 32A for Solar Panel Grid System : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[Bestdays26]

Amazing info, thanks for the time you’ve taken to explain this!

FYI:

this is your solar controller in GREEN, showing 14.4v

and this is a solar to battery isolator switch RED.

View attachment 321050


and here:

Yellow - EHU battery charger for leisure battery.
Blue - mains consumer unit for EHU in and switchews for the sockets.
Purple - leisure battery


View attachment 321051