Category: Troubleshooting

There Is No AC Power

7/5/2012

The AC power (household 110 Volt power) is produced by the inverter from the DC power in the batteries. Here are a few things to check if there is no AC from the inverter.

INVERTER --- Make sure inverter switch is ON. Some inverters have several switch positions, on for on/off, one for a remote control, etc. Be sure all switches are in the right position. Inverters are equipped with safety controls which turn them off if they are too hot, batteries get too low, etc. Most reset when the problem is corrected, ie. unit cools off or batteries recharge. Read the manual for your inverter for details.
CIRCUIT BREAKER --- The batteries connect to the inverter through a 250 Amp circuit breaker on most of the units. If this circuit breaker is OFF, the system is OFF. This circuit breaker is larger than the 20 Amp unit that connects to the solar panels and charge controller.
WIRING --- Of course check for loose or corroded connections

System Isn't Charging The Batteries

7/5/2012

The battery charge circuit includes the batteries, solar panels, charge controller, 20 Amp circuit breaker, and the wiring that connects all of them. Problems with any one of these can interrupt the current flow into the batteries.

BATTERIES ---NEVER allow the battery fluid fall below the plates. You can remove the caps and look down into the cells (carefully---safety glasses are recommended), if the water is below the plastic tubes that extend from the top, fill with distilled water until it touches the plastic tube. Remember that the battery warranties are automatically voided if the plates are not covered.
CHECK CONNECTIONS --- Look for loose or corroded connections throughout the system. Tighten any loose connections and loosen and clean any corroded ones. Check solar panel connectors (they snap together) to be sure they are tight.
CHARGE CONTROLLER --- Most of the systems have charge controllers with digital displays which can show voltage, current, and/or wattage. Become familiar with these readings with normal use and you can tell quickly when something just isn't right. For example, if the charging amps from the PV (photovoltaic or solar panel) normally is 6-7 Amps in full sunlight, and suddenly it changes to 3 Amps, something is happening that may need help.
CIRCUIT BREAKER --- The smaller circuit breaker mounted on the backboard (usually 20 Amps) connects directly between the solar panels and the charge controller. If the breaker is off, no current can flow to the batteries. Also use this circuit breaker to turn off the PV's for storage or transport.

The portable solar units are very reliable and normally require little maintenance, but please take some time to familiarize yourself with the ebb and flow of solar power --- it will help greatly when something does go wrong.

Author

Grover--- Resident prognosticater. If you need specifics, contact me at grover@powergenx.com.

Degree in Electronics Engr. Tech, Electrical, General and Mechanical Contractor for over 30 years, Maintenance Contractor for GTE Lenkurt plant in Albuquerque, NM (79-80), designed and patented oilfield electrical control systems (90's) --- many other adventures.

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There Is No AC Power

System Isn't Charging The Batteries

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