wade0000
New Member
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2020
- Messages
- 66
Hello,
I am really frustrated with not being able to use logic and tests to determine the cause of an INTERMITTENT problem with my off-grid solar power system in my garage.
Quick system set up:
Four(4) 350W panels (1.4KW) - connected in series-parallel (78V X 18A) max power
EPEVER 40A Charge Controller (Max charging capability is 1.04KW)
Four(4) 12V 200AH AGM batteries connected in series-parallel
3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter (24V)
Going to two(2) 15A circuits running garage lights, receptacles, outdoor pond pump, outdoor lights, etc.
Here is the problem: Whenever the solar power reaches 800W and stays that way for a couple of minutes... the charge controller shows high voltage (approx SC voltage) and 0 amps and stops charging because of 0 W.
I've tried the obvious things like 1) checking my M4 connections and replacing those that I didn't crimp as well, 2) plugging and unplugging one set of paralleled panels to isolate which group is the problem.
Occasionally the charge controller will start charging again back to normal after about a 5 minute wait.
It seemed to me like I have a bad connection and that the wire/connector is heating up... and then once it cools, the connection begins again. But sometimes it never starts charging again.
Any ideas where to go to look next?
I am really frustrated with not being able to use logic and tests to determine the cause of an INTERMITTENT problem with my off-grid solar power system in my garage.
Quick system set up:
Four(4) 350W panels (1.4KW) - connected in series-parallel (78V X 18A) max power
EPEVER 40A Charge Controller (Max charging capability is 1.04KW)
Four(4) 12V 200AH AGM batteries connected in series-parallel
3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter (24V)
Going to two(2) 15A circuits running garage lights, receptacles, outdoor pond pump, outdoor lights, etc.
Here is the problem: Whenever the solar power reaches 800W and stays that way for a couple of minutes... the charge controller shows high voltage (approx SC voltage) and 0 amps and stops charging because of 0 W.
I've tried the obvious things like 1) checking my M4 connections and replacing those that I didn't crimp as well, 2) plugging and unplugging one set of paralleled panels to isolate which group is the problem.
Occasionally the charge controller will start charging again back to normal after about a 5 minute wait.
It seemed to me like I have a bad connection and that the wire/connector is heating up... and then once it cools, the connection begins again. But sometimes it never starts charging again.
Any ideas where to go to look next?