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Alison Ely avatar image
Alison Ely asked

Charge controller not functioning properly

We have a Victron Solar Blue 100/30 charge controller. Four pv panels provide between 30 and 38 volts (depending on time of day according to the electrian). The charge controller LEDs have stopped functioning and not sending excess power to float. We have dismantled the system to stop the batteries over charging. We are very remote and totally off grid. The installer (via phone) is claiming that there is not enough volts coming from the panels which is why there is a problem. We think the charge controller is damaged/broken. Advice please...

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Alexandra avatar image Alexandra ♦ commented ·

I think we would need a few more details before it can be said definitively what has happened. What is the system voltage 12 or 24V; if it is a 48V system then the mppt will not charge as the panel voltage is lower than system.

Also what panels are they and how are they connected? 2 in series and 2 in parallel?

https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/software/VE-MPPT-Calc-3_4.xlsm the Victron calculator sheet may clear up whether there is a configuration problem with the setup. You will probably need to input the second sheet with your panel details such as Voc and Imp.

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Alison Ely avatar image Alison Ely Alexandra ♦ commented ·

It's a 24v system. No idea the panel size but believe them to be 100w arranged (apparently) in series and in parallel. I do not really understand how it can be a problem with the panels as it has been working fine for over a year.

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Alison Ely avatar image Alison Ely commented ·

Thanks for that information. There's been no lightening but the problem occurred on a very hot day (35C in the shade) so I don't know whether that had anything to do with it? It is gratifying to know that it is nothing to do with low voltage coming from the panels. I'm afraid we have been very badly treated by a number of installers and it seems this installer is no better and, knowing we are pretty ignorant about solar, is coming up with spurious reasons why his device failed.

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klim8skeptic avatar image klim8skeptic ♦ Alison Ely commented ·

Given the mppt is a bluesolar unit, and there are no led indication, the first step would be to check the pv array.

Possibly a fuse or circuit breaker has failed in the heat.

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ejrossouw answered ·

@Solarafrica I'd check with a voltmeter to see what is coming in from the panels. Some hard fact finding is key to understanding this. Could be even be a panel overheating and failing. Can you measure the voltage from the panels as well as the output on the mppt to the battery to see what is actually going on maybe?

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Alison Ely avatar image Alison Ely commented ·

Please see my reply above to klim8skeptic.Hopefully I've answered your question.

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ejrossouw avatar image ejrossouw Alison Ely commented ·

I just responded :)

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