Solar system on A Series

[jwitwer]

I have an 2006 A39 with the factory installed solar system. It has 2 BP solar panels, which I believe are about 50 watts each. The solar system is not able to keep the batteries changed, even in the bright Arizona sun and the house switch "store" and I believe the problem is with the solar charge controller. Both the house and chassis batteries go dead. (I had problems with the solar controller on my previously owned 390XL so I am pre-conditioned to be suspicious of these.) My question is does anyone know where the solar charge controller is located? I have talked with a person at Intellitec, the manufacturer of a display located above the refrigerator, but he says this is a simple charging/charge LED display and not the charge controller itself. I have tried tracing wires, but have not been productive. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[gregwall]

I'm sorry you haven't gotten any responses. I just saw the post. Did you resolve your problems?

[jwitwer]

Greg,
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I guess I should have posted this sooner: I did not get any other replies, but I also think I've figured it out. It looks like the solar charge controller is a small add-on circuit board attached to the IntelliTec battery control board. This larger control board is located in the fore-most curbside storage compartment. The panel over the refrigerator is simply a state-of-charge display, not a controller. I'm still not certain if mine is working properly, so for now I've simply taken to disconnecting the batteries if it is sitting more than a couple of weeks.

[gregwall]

A picture of the state of charge display would be helpful. It might be a Magnum, which will show state of charge listed as volts. Batteries going dead is not a good thing. Once they go below 50% charge, they won't fully charge again, assuming they are lead acid batteries. 12.06V is 50% charge. Even if you have two 100-watt solar panels, they won't provide enough power to run everything in the coach. However, it can be a big help, especially in Arizona and when you are not driving it. First I would check the batteries: how old are they, what kind are they, what is their state of charge and how many amp/hours do they hold. You were right to disconnect them when it is sitting. Let me know what you find out about the batteries.

[gregwall]

A good description of Airstream's very basic solar system is: https://www.coltonrv.com/optional-solar-panels/
Sometimes these links don't work on airforum, so let me know.