solar panel problem

[dolphin]

good morning to all !
recently, i have checked the battery charging and observed on the regulator that the red light is ON (the battery voltage is below 12.6 V) and the PV voltage is about 4.5 V !
disconnect everything, checked / clean the contacts and measure the supply panel voltage - it was about 15.5 V or the panel is working !
connect again the regulator, first battery and after the PV but the result was the same - voltage again 4.5 V
the battery voltage was 12.5 V !
where will be the problem ? can be that the regulator is already gone ?
the panel is 80-85 W and quite old but still working
the regulator is a made in china and maybe about 6 -7 years old
thanks and have a nice day
regards

 

[GrahamM376]

Do you have a diode and a test meter with suitable amps function handy? If so, I would bypass the regulator and connect the panel direct to the battery via the diode and meter and see what happens. If battery is charging then it's the regulator which is bust. If no charge in reasonable sunlight, then it's the panel. Don't leave that size of panel permanently connected without a reg.

 

[VicS]

In bright (sun) light I'd expect the panel open circuit voltage to be higher than 15.5. A tad over 20 volts perhaps.


As GrahamM376 suggests connect the panel directly to the battery and see what happens. No need to worry about a diode for testing purposes or about the lack of regulator for a short period.

Perhaps discharge the battery a little, or put some load on the system, and measure the current.

 

[William_H]

I agree with Vic a voltage no load of 15v is proabbly too low for the regulaor to use to get a charge into the battery. Test with the panel directly connected to the battery. Use an amp meter like 10 amp scale on multimeter in series with the panel. If nothing try the 200 ma scale on MM. I don't know how mnuch sun you have at the moment but would begin to supect panel has corrosion internally ie dud. Another easay test is to connect an amp meter across the panel in the sun disconnected from battery. ie a short circuit. You should measure several amps if apnel is any good. (ie max 4.5 amps) good luck olewill

 

[dolphin]

thanks for replies and suggestions !
will follow and revert with the outcome
regards

 

[dolphin]

good evening,
the weekend have checked the solar panel as per the recommendation
the panel show about 19.5 V but 0 (zero) A, even on short circuit
after i have measured the voltage and amperage on the both circuits.
the panel is with 2 circuit each with 18 solar cells and can be connected for 6 V and for 12 V battery
both circuits have about 9.5 V but only one of them show 3.5 A !
believe that one of the circuit is disconnected most probably due to corrosion
thanks for assistance
regards