Solar Panel not working?

Marilyn L-J

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Joined
Sep 6, 2023
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Our 2023 Imagine AIM will not hold DC power to the house for more than a day or two when not plugged into shore power or the tow vehicle This happens when it is parked and there is nothing running to draw power. Original battery has been replaced. Dealer service tech has checked and stated there is no static amp draw. Dealer told us to ‘just turn the key to the controller off when it is not in use’. This issue began about nine months after we bought the new unit last year. How can we verify that the solar panel is working correctly? Thanks
 
Get out the ol' multi-meter and start checking the output of the solar panel, the actual voltage at the battery when not plugged into shore power, and the actual draw on the battery when not on shore power and the Battery Disconnect Switch is turned to OFF. I don't mean to doubt your dealer, but I find it very hard to believe there isn't some draw on the battery at all.

Seems to me the key to the controller should be turned to ON if you want the solar panel in the loop. But not positive on that score. But it does look like time to double check things yourself. Dealers are almost human, and do make mistakes too. :)
 
As [MENTION=42104]Hoopy Frood[/MENTION] says, a good meter is your friend. One thing to check for, some have reported that the solar leads were installed backward. A meter can help you check that.
 
Our 2023 Imagine AIM will not hold DC power to the house for more than a day or two when not plugged into shore power or the tow vehicle This happens when it is parked and there is nothing running to draw power. Original battery has been replaced. Dealer service tech has checked and stated there is no static amp draw. Dealer told us to ‘just turn the key to the controller off when it is not in use’. This issue began about nine months after we bought the new unit last year. How can we verify that the solar panel is working correctly? Thanks

I'm pretty sure your refrigerator is still running off the battery, even if you turn the disconnect off.

And, if you are turning your disconnect off, you may not be getting a charge from the solar to the battery.
 
Dealer service tech has checked and stated there is no static amp draw. Dealer told us to ‘just turn the key to the controller off when it is not in use’.
Unless it was rewired at some point, all GD trailers have some current draw even with the disconnect off. When not in use you need to lift the negative lead off the battery to ensure no draw.
 

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