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Kalashnikov · 03-11-2020, 08:12 PM

So I got my 600W solar system all wired, flipped the switch - nothing!

It was pretty late, the sun had almost set. Could it be that the system just didn't generate enough voltage to kick-start the controller? The Bluetooth app showed 0V. On the controller the "Bulk charge" was blinking blue every few seconds.

I'll be at work tomorrow so there will no good time to observe it during the day. Ugh.

waninae39 · 03-11-2020, 08:49 PM

"it was pretty late, the sun had almost set."

not enough light, report again mid day with no clouds

this is VERY common with solar

Kalashnikov · 03-12-2020, 03:45 PM

Still nothing, plenty of sun

Does the storage mode matter?

GMFL · 03-12-2020, 03:46 PM

Yes it should not be in storage mode.

Kalashnikov · 03-12-2020, 04:24 PM

Didn't make a difference, storage mode or not

*sigh*, guess i'll start debugging. I'll start with the panels and see if I'm getting voltage. Work my way down to the controller. Ugh.

Kalashnikov · 03-12-2020, 04:37 PM

All 3 arrays putting out 38v into the rooftop Zamp combiner

Noticed one thing: the victron controller blinks blue regardless of the setting of my Blue Sea switch! (On or off)

Kalashnikov · 03-12-2020, 04:59 PM

Confirmed that 38v is reaching the Blue Sea switch from the roof
Confirmed that Blue Sea puts out 38v
Confirmed that polarity is as expected: Yellow PV is positive, Green is negative

Stumped!

AirMiles · 03-12-2020, 05:52 PM

Did you connect to the batteries before flipping the solar switch on? The solar controller needs to read the battery voltage first before the solar is activated the first time to set 12V. A screen shot of the status screen on your phone would help. A screen shot of the settings/battery screen would also help. You can disable/enable the charger from the battery screen. The Victron 100/50 should charge no matter the position of your store/use switch.

AirMiles · 03-12-2020, 05:55 PM

Noticed one thing: the victron controller blinks blue regardless of the setting of my Blue Sea switch! (On or off)

That's because its connect to the batteries.

Kalashnikov · 03-12-2020, 05:56 PM

Yes, I connected the entire system from the bottom up - battery to controller, then the panels

Dead as a doorknob

AirMiles · 03-12-2020, 05:59 PM

Battery side is working, no voltage coming from solar panels. There's got to be a problem between the switch with 38V and the solar controller input connection.

State: off - is it dark outside? Still should be seeing voltage from the solar panels on the status screen I believe.

Kalashnikov · 03-12-2020, 06:02 PM

AirMiles · 03-12-2020, 06:03 PM

Charger is enabled. Just missing voltage from panels???

Kalashnikov · 03-12-2020, 06:04 PM

Sun went down, I'm done for the day. Need a couple drinks after this

AirMiles · 03-12-2020, 06:04 PM

Can you check the voltage at the Victron solar controller inputs? By probing into the inputs while leaving everything connected?

AirMiles · 03-12-2020, 06:07 PM

I would focus on the solar controller input connections. If there's voltage there, it could be a bad solar controller.

Crackerman · 03-12-2020, 10:05 PM

If you bought the controller from Amazon, message seller, get another.

Or, you might have a wire strand crossing paths at the controller.

If that checks out, I would definitely be worried about charge controller.

waninae39 · 03-12-2020, 10:20 PM

my first victron solar controller was bad. it was swapped. now working fine for 2 + years

Kalashnikov · 03-13-2020, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirMiles

I would focus on the solar controller input connections. If there's voltage there, it could be a bad solar controller.

Will double check by probing the inputs.

Really hope it's not the controller, I have a big trip planned and there's little time to find another.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crackerman

If you bought the controller from Amazon, message seller, get another.

Or, you might have a wire strand crossing paths at the controller.

If that checks out, I would definitely be worried about charge controller.

The crossed strands is a possibility. Some of my wires are 6awg, a little too fat for the controller.

Quote:

Originally Posted by waninae39

my first victron solar controller was bad. it was swapped. now working fine for 2 + years

Amazon has plenty of 3rd party vendors but I'm not seeing any with overnight shipping. I need one NOW! Closest dealer is three hours away (6hr round trip.)

Kalashnikov · 03-13-2020, 05:45 AM

It's still pitch dark outside but I went to the trailer and checked for crossed wire strands - it's totally ok.

I ended up finding another on Amazon when searching only for "Prime" items (I don't even have Prime), paid $9 for shipping and it's supposed to arrive today.

Fingers crossed!