Solar panel regulator showing over voltage

[Fergal]

Hi

I have a 40w solar panel that has worked fine for a number of years (c5yrs) but recently the regulator indicates 'over voltage' and blows the inline fuse.

I have changed the regulator but the problem remains.

I would be grateful for any advice on the next steps.

Thanks

 

[fredrussell]

I suppose the first step would be to get a multi meter on panel on a good sunny day and see what it's output is.

 

[RichardS]

Good advice ..... but surely it can't be the panel producing too high a voltage for the regulator as the two were matched correctly originally. I don't see how it could be possible that the panel now produces a higher max voltage than it did previously.

Richard

 

[VicS]

Hi

I have a 40w solar panel that has worked fine for a number of years (c5yrs) but recently the regulator indicates 'over voltage' and blows the inline fuse.

I have changed the regulator but the problem remains.

I would be grateful for any advice on the next steps.

Thanks

I assume the fuse is between the battery and the regulator ? What value is it ?

You don't provide any info on the regulator. Make and model? Type; PWM, MPPT ??

Does the regulator have "load" terminals? if so what, if any, equipment do you have connected to them.

Do the instructions suggest any causes for the "overvoltage" indication ?

When first connecting did you follow the instructions ........ sometimes connection to the battery before the solar panel is necessary.

 

[lpdsn]

Where is the fuse that blows? Solar panel specs generally seem to include a short circuit current that's not a huge amount more than the rated current. So is the current to blow the fuse coming from the panel or the batteries?

First thoughts are a regulator fault, but you've changed that.