Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2020
- Messages
- 20,052
18V is just about Vmp for a 12V panel, suggesting they are delivering Imp.My batteries are at 11.8v according to dmm. I'm trying to see if my solar panels will charge the batteries since it's a really sunny day today. I checked the voltage coming in from my solar panels and it's 18v from the solar cable into the charge controller. Is that normal? There are 3 100 watt 12v panels. They are connected in parallel, all 3 positives into one branch connector and same with negatives.
You can disconnect a panel and measure its Voc. Nicest to shut off whatever is drawing current before unplugging ("cold" not "hot" unmating of connector)
Check voltage of battery before shutting off, again after unplugging all panels. Out of interest, to see if there was a voltage rise due to current in.
If nothing else, you can wire a PV panel directly to the battery and monitor voltage. You are the PWM controller - 100% on during bulk charging, 100% off before voltage exceeds maximum target.