Solar Panel Troubleshooting

Synopsis: Solar panels are used to maintain the battery voltage of your unit. If your batteries are draining at a rapid rate, it could be an issue with the solar panels themselves or the solar panel maintenance.

• Level: Easy
• Time required: 5-10 minutes
• Additional equipment required: Philips screwdriver, voltmeter

                                                                                                                                                              

1. Check the amperage on the controller

Note: If your solar panels are working correctly, the solar amperage should be higher than your battery amperage. 

Figure 1 - Amperage on the home screen of the touch screen

2. Using a voltmeter, verify the solar voltage on your solar regulator

Note: You should be getting close to 20 volts.

Figure 2 - How to get voltage readings on first generation regulator

Figure 3 - How to get voltage readings on next-generation regulator 

3. Ensure the MC4 Connectors are well plugged in & not inverted

Figure 4 - MC4 Connectors

Figure 5 - MC4 Connectors close-up

Note: It is possible that your unit does not have the new MC4 connectors. Your unit may have the old style wiring.

4. Using a voltmeter, test the voltage coming into the solar panels

Note: You will need unscrew the junction box under each solar panel and take the readings on the positive and negative wires. You should be getting 20 volts on these terminals.

Figure 6 - Junction boxes

Figure 7 - Positive & negative wires inside junction boxes

For the full battery & solar panel maintenance guide, please consult the article on our website: https://www.ver-mac.com/en/news-and-events/file/how-to-maximize-battery-solar-panel-performance-a-complete-guide/163

If you require any additional help, contact our toll-free number at 1-888-488-7446 or email us at [e-mail]