Solar+ Batteries= DEAD BATTERIES

[ROADHOG]

Here I am crying again for help, my beautiful 2021 Solitude that I have had for two months with solar on the roof to keep my two six volt batteries charged isn't keeping them charged. I can go and charge them up one day and then two days later there dead what's up with that?

Open for questions?
RoadHog

 

[bertschb]

1- Do you have the factory 300w solar system?
2- Is your charge controller turned on?

Unless you are drawing a lot of power from the batteries, they shouldn't die after two days with your solar system "on".

 

[ROADHOG]

I'm pretty sure it is the factory solar system, not sure about making sure if it's turned on not sure how to do that?

 

[bertschb]

I'm pretty sure it is the factory solar system, not sure about making sure if it's turned on not sure how to do that?

The factory 300w solar system in my 2020 Solitude 310GK-R had a remote panel that was used to turn the solar charge controller on. If the charge controller is turned off, the solar panels won't supply power to the batteries. My remote panel was located on the rear wall of my pass through compartment (basement). Mine looked like this:




Here is a link to the manual for the charge controller:
https://www.jabonipowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/SolarControllerManual_Final.pdf

 

[ROADHOG]

The factory 300w solar system in my 2020 Solitude 310GK-R had a remote panel that was used to turn the solar charge controller on. If the charge controller is turned off, the solar panels won't supply power to the batteries. My remote panel was located on the rear wall of my pass through compartment (basement). Mine looked like this:

View attachment 33029


Here is a link to the manual for the charge controller:
https://www.jabonipowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/SolarControllerManual_Final.pdf

I think I'm more confused now than ever, but at least it gives me something to go by. Thank you so much I will try to figure it out.

 

[pengle]

Here I am crying again for help, my beautiful 2021 Solitude that I have had for two months with solar on the roof to keep my two six volt batteries charged isn't keeping them charged. I can go and charge them up one day and then two days later there dead what's up with that?

Open for questions?
RoadHog

To follow up on what [MENTION=1425]bertschb[/MENTION] said. This is where the Jaboni charge controller is located in the basement storage of our 2021 310GK - above the vacuum cleaner motor/bag assembly.



Push the button on the right side and the controller should come on. This is what it looks like when it is on/working and charging your batteries. On a sunny day our single 300w solar panel was putting out 227w.

 

[ROADHOG]

To follow up on what [MENTION=1425]bertschb[/MENTION] said. This is where the Jaboni charge controller is located in the basement storage of our 2021 310GK - above the vacuum cleaner motor/bag assembly.

View attachment 33037

Push the button on the right side and the controller should come on. This is what it looks like when it is on/working and charging your batteries. On a sunny day our single 300w solar panel was putting out 227w.

View attachment 33038

Thank you bertschb and Pengle, the controller is on so i'm wondering if they put acid in the batteries? Also when not in use should the inverter be left on?

 

[huntindog]

Thank you bertschb and Pengle, the controller is on so i'm wondering if they put acid in the batteries? Also when not in use should the inverter be left on?

I am sure your batteries have acid in them... They would not work at all with out it. I think that you may not realize just how much power your unit uses. My Momentum is a power hog. I took one trip and qickly found out that it needed some upgrades for my use (100% boondocking) It now has 4 Battle Born 100AH batteries and 540 watts of solar. I still expect to use the generator.

 

[bertschb]

...Also when not in use should the inverter be left on?

When you say "not in use", do you mean while plugged into shore power or while your RV is in storage? Some people leave their inverter turned on while plugged into shore power just in case they lose shore power while camping. Others only turn it on while dry camping with no shore power.

 

[powerscol]

Double check your battery disconnect switch. If it got turned off the battery's will not charge. Also double check which battery profile the solar charger is set to. Leaving an inverter on (but not drawing power) still put a draw on the batteries, something like 30 to 50 watts. This occurs in standby mode too. Check your inverter specifications and owners manual. Another source of power drain may be your fridge. Some units are always on (drawing power).

Last even with the disconnect off there is still a drain on the batteries from parasitic draws like the CO/smoke/propane detectors and in some cases the radio to maintain settings. To truly disconnect you need pull the positive terminal off the batteries. However if you still want them to see a solar charge leave the solar charger connected unless you in an area of snow covering the panels, then disconnect the solar charger too as it will draw power when no sun is present.

 

[ROADHOG]

Thanks Powerscol, very helpful information. The blue light on the controller is flashing indicating there is a problem. Looks like the controller is faulty.