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Post by rodjava on Mar 1, 2019 0:50:24 GMT
300 watts Renogy panels
Renogy Tracer MPPT
Remote status module
4 six volt AGM batteries wired in parallel and then in series for 12 volts 450 ttl amp hours. Batteries are 2 years old.
Batteries read 12.1 volts
Currently no load on the solar system.
My solar system is installed in a RV which is normally parked without a load for 9 months out of the year.
I noticed that my battery bank does not go over 40 SOC when powered by the solar panels. I have a battery isolator installed in the RV and when running, the SOC will reach 80+ and indicates charging at the remote module.
I have always had the Renogy controller set to position #17 since the day I installed the solar system.
What can be the cause for the SOC not to go higher than 40 percent? All the individual 6 volt batteries read 6.1 volts and 12.2 volts when wired in parallel and in series.
I think I have narrowed down the problem to the Renogy Trracer MPPT controller.
Any help with this problem would be appreciated.
Thank you all in advance.
Rod in San Francisco
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Post by tattoo on Mar 1, 2019 1:07:18 GMT
First thing is to forget about the SOC it means nothing..... Now does your CC ever get to 14.2 or so in full sun each day? If not what is the most volts that you see on a given day? What is your voltage first thing in the morning with a voltmeter? Don't depend on what the Tracer says....
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Post by rodjava on Mar 1, 2019 3:15:03 GMT
Hi Tatto,
Thanks for chiming in.
As a matter of fact, the charge controller does not go over 12.1 (or about) while charging with the solar panels in full sun. However, with the rv running with the isolator, it charges above 13 volts.
I will take some reading with a voltmeter tomorrow morning and post the results.
Rod in SF
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Post by tattoo on Mar 1, 2019 3:58:59 GMT
If your not getting above 12.1 you have a problem.... I would give tech support a call.... They will be the ones that will tell you to send in your CC to them.... I think your CC is bad....
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Post by rodjava on Mar 2, 2019 1:05:06 GMT
I put on a load to drain the battery to 11.7 last night. When I checked first thing in the AM it was still at 11.7. It was mostly cloudy all day with a average of 35 watts from the 300 watt solar aray.
The battery voltage never got higher than 12.2 all day. I'm almost sure it's the Renogy Tracer CC that is the problem. Anybody agree?
Rod in SF
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Post by tattoo on Mar 2, 2019 3:25:11 GMT
It's for sure you have a problem..... Did you call Renogy tech support?
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Post by rodjava on Mar 2, 2019 3:34:11 GMT
tatoo,
I'm going to call Monday morning.
The CC is 3 years old. I doubt that Renogy will be useful when it comes to a warranty.
rod
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Post by tattoo on Mar 2, 2019 13:37:00 GMT
tatoo, I'm going to call Monday morning. The CC is 3 years old. I doubt that Renogy will be useful when it comes to a warranty. rod You never know.... But it will be nice to know for sure what they think it is.... |
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Post by rodjava on Mar 4, 2019 18:49:44 GMT
Sorry to say that Renogy customer service and technical department were totally useless.
Apparently Renogy Tracer CC are only good for 3 years before you need to replace them.
According to Renogy customer service, some lucky customers can get more than 3 years from their CC.
I'm not taking anymore chances with Renogy and replaced my CC with a Epever CC from Amazon. I read
many positive reviews about the Epever brand which apparently better than Renogy products.
Good bye Renogy.....
Rod in SF
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Post by tattoo on Mar 4, 2019 18:59:31 GMT
Sorry to say that Renogy customer service and technical department were totally useless. Apparently Renogy Tracer CC are only good for 3 years before you need to replace them. According to Renogy customer service, some lucky customers can get more than 3 years from their CC. I'm not taking anymore chances with Renogy and replaced my CC with a Epever CC from Amazon. I read many positive reviews about the Epever brand which apparently better than Renogy products. Good bye Renogy..... Rod in SF I understand, But you do know the small CC are cheap for a reason... You never said how old yours was and yes your lucky to have gotten that many years out of it.... I really doubt the same size Epever will last any longer....
Wish you luck with your other CC.........
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Post by bupkis on Mar 5, 2019 1:31:11 GMT
rodjava, I love to hear how you have abused your batteries of the years. You do get them to the upper 14v daily right? you equalize whem the sg of the electrolyte is low right? Ya never drain them below 12.2v, right (oh that ain't right). Ya have enough solar, nope. Find a source to charge your batteries to 16v until they bubble freely! repetitive undercharging is the demise to too many batteries, find out how the manufacture of your battery suggest you care for them. is this the epever TRACER (renogy rebranded) you have? www.epsolarpv.com/product/3.html |
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