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My solar charge controller shows zero charging input some cloudy days. Has enyone experienced something similar? is it normal? i have attached two solar charger in my battery each of them providing power from a different string; i have also connected a smart battery sensor that provides data to the chargers. am i doing something wrong here? thanks for your input, cheers
as you can see, 4 days ago the load output from string 1 (2s2p) is zero while the output from string 2 (1 240w/24v panel) is 50 wh. This was a cloudy day with minimal electricity usage from the system, just a couple of lightbulbs. Both solar controllers are set at the same configuration (battery=>victron 2=>deep discharge).
the same thing happened a few days ago
the first controller is on float mode while the second is still in absorption. Any input is much appreciated, cheers.
Have a look at VE.Smart NetworkingSynchronised charging - further details.
Might be worth checking the settings on your controllers as well.
this is getting weird
the first controller reports a max battery voltage at 14.35v while the second one at 14.45v (i cannot be certain about the min bat reading )
both controllers are set in a network working in tandem
each controller has also the same settings
any input is wellcome.
I would like to see the amount of time each controller has spent in bulk/ and absorb. Just to see if the controllers have switched state at about the same time.
You could use your Smart Battery Sense to the network for better voltage and temp compensation.
so i added the smart sense to the network
and after a cloudy/rainy day i checked the readings last night
the first controller is attached to a 2s2p string producing 100w @ 24v and the second one a single 230ish w @ 24v. The first controller is hit from sunrays first in morning, while the second one gets maybe half an hour of sunshine more, in the afternoon (they are side by side facing south).
What is meant by master/slave configuration? is it that the master (probably the first one that comes alive?) does the heavy work and the slave contributes when needed?
the readings recorded yesterday were due to minimal voltage produced because of the cloudy weather? what is the worst thing that can happen to the battery? I mean what if one controller is in absorption mode and the other in bulk?the extra voltage will eventually bring both in the same level sooner or later. Right?
i am really confused and also disapointed from the fact that i cannot talk to a qualified Victron person/installer (not salesman) in Greece although their products are sold here.
any help is much appreciated, cheers
Syncronized Charging Further Details.\
You need a day with better sun, and some loads on the batteries to see how your system performs, patience...
Could be a poor battery connection causing resistance and a voltage drop.
The switch from absorption to float is based on time elapsed. Not sure if this can be different on the two controllers. If it is, it shouldn't be
