Morningstar / TriStar45

[arktos55343]

Seeking some advice regarding a new solar installation.

Airstream is in storage. I have put up a 50w Renogy mono panel connected to a TriStar45 PWM controller with RTS and Battery Sensor to keep the batteries charged (2-6v batteries). I am in Minneapolis, and my panel is tilted to approx. 30 degrees. It is in full sun.

The TriStar45 indicates it is in Night mode all the time. The Red and Yellow lights on the controller are lit solid. It indicates my battery voltage is down to 12.4v, although my multi-meter shows more like 12.67v currently. The Green light is not flashing. None of the lights are cycling. The controller shows no Faults or Alarms. I don't seem to be getting any charge out of the panel/controller. Dip switches seem to be in the correct positions.

I'm stumped. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

[arktos55343]

Forgot to check my work. Leads from solar portal to controller were reversed.

Panel is now reading 34w / 13.3v Bulk Charging / 2.6a

Yeah?

[dznf0g]

In Minnesota, this time of year, you should be tilted more like 60* to the south.

[arktos55343]

Hmmm....sure? I used a calculator...country/state/town...and it says 29 degrees. Sun is pretty low in these parts. Calculator says 60 degrees for May or July.

[dznf0g]

Google "solar panel tilt angles"

[dznf0g]

Maybe 29* in summer. Not winter

[dznf0g]

Ok, wait. Wherever you are looking is measuring from vertical???? All the sites I use measure angle from horizontal.

[arktos55343]

If I understand correctly, a 60 degree tilt would be measured from horizontal level. My panel is mounted on a pole...so I am measuring from vertical. Either way, it's pointed South and directly at the sun...more or less.

[dznf0g]

Same, same then.

[dznf0g]

And I'm sure it's more than 60* up there. Here in Chicago, it's 59* in winter. I use the 4 season numbers and have 3 sets of tilt arms for the AS roof.