question

workfromvan avatar image
workfromvan asked

Smart Solar and Battery Controller Show different Battery Levels

I've noticed that my van batteries never get above 30% (around 12.85v) running off of just solar. Solar shows it's in Absorption mode because it reads 14.57v whereas every other reading shows the batteries closer to approx 12.87v.

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battery chargingMPPT SmartSolarbattery system voltage
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1 Answer
pwfarnell avatar image
pwfarnell answered ·

Sounds like you have a poor connection between the solar controller and the battery causing high voltage drop. Use a multimeter between the controller and the battery to find the poor connection. Check every crimp, terminal, fuse and switch to make sure everything is tight, not corroded or with insulation trapped. A common problem is the cheap resetable breakers, they often have high resistance.


2 comments
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workfromvan avatar image workfromvan commented ·
When I turn the solar panels off, then the smart solar controller shows a more accurate reading. Does that change anything or same answer as above?
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chrigu avatar image chrigu workfromvan commented ·
It actually supports the answer above. No current flow means (almost) no voltage drop anymore across the bad connection/damaged cable/undersized cable
3 Likes 3 ·

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