Motorhome Solar Panel Problems

How do we tell if the solar panel is charging the batteries on our 2002 motorhome.

Motorhome solar panel problems.

If i understand you correctly you measured the voltage across the solar panel output wires whilst they were disconnected from the solar regulator and had a reading of 10 1v. Disconnect the solar panel cable from the charge controller as in step 2 above. This test is for full size solar panels. Set the dvm to the 10 amps range and change the probes as necessary.

I ll give you an example. If you can take a voltage reading coming directly from your panel s wires which must be disconnected from the controller the reading should be as high as 29 volts. While in winter months this can be a great thing as far as the hot summer months not so much. I just bought a 40a mppt controller a top end 200 monocrystalline module cable fuses and sealant for just over 400 dollars.

It is really easy to buy a high quality solar controller and a good module or two and the hardware you need to install it for much less money. Cupping extreme temperatures can make the flexible panels slightly warp causing water dirt dust and sand to buildup in these little cups on the panels. When sunlight strikes the panel photons are absorbed which causes electrons to separate from the silicon atoms and move about. Move the cables away from the charge controller and use adhesive tape to keep the cables away from anything nearby.

Typically a motorhome solar panel creates 17 18v of charge. If your solar panel system is not producing properly you can troubleshoot it to determine the cause of the problem. Flat roofs our rv has a pretty flat roof so when we park and level our coach the panels are basically flat. Installation of flexible panels means you will need to glue them to your roof and it is not an easy process to remove them later and can result in damage to your roof or to the panels.

So that means you were measuring the open circuit voltage voc which i would have expected to be about 20v. There is an option. Do a shading test solar panels require full exposure to light to produce a robust light in the home. However like everything else a solar panel system can experience some problems with light production.

Deb from gilbert ariz wants to know. In order to troubleshoot your panels you will need a multimeter panel specification sheet and sunlight of course. Cover the solar panel and remove the battery fuses. If you think your panels are having trouble producing optimum power we have some troubleshooting tips that might help out.

Gary bunzer aka the rv doctor re.