There may be a slight difference between the battery voltage displayed on the GP-
PWM-30 display and the battery voltage measured at the battery terminals. When
troubleshooting using a voltmeter, check both the battery voltage at the GP-PWM-30
controller terminals and battery voltage at the battery terminals. If a difference of more
than 0.5 volts is noted, this indicates a large voltage drop possibly caused by loose
connections, long wire runs, small wire gauge, faulty wiring, a faulty voltmeter or all
the above. Consult the Suggested Minimum Wire Gauge chart in Section 5 for wiring
suggestions and check all connections.
12. Troubleshooting Problems
How to Read this Section
Troubleshooting Problems is split into three sub-sections, grouped by symptoms involv
-
ing key components. A multimeter or voltmeter may be required for some procedures
listed.
It is imperative that all electrical precautions outlined in this manual are
followed. Even if it appears the system is not functioning, it should be
treated as a fully functioning system generating live power.
Topic Issue Possible Cause How to Tell Remedy
Problems
with the
Display
Display is blank Battery or fuse
connection and/or
solar array connection
(daytime only) or
battery or fuse
connection (nighttime
only).
1. Check voltage at controller
battery terminals with a
voltmeter. Compare with
voltage reading at the battery
terminals.
2. If there is no voltage reading
at controller battery terminals,
the problem is in the wiring
between the battery and
the controller. If the battery
voltage is lower than 6 volts
the controller will not function.
3. For the solar array, repeat
steps 1 and 2 substituting
all references to battery
terminals with solar array
terminals.
Check all connections from
the controller to the battery
including checking for correct
wire polarity. Check that
all connections are clean,
tight, and secure. Ensure
the battery voltage is above
6 volts.
Display shows
nighttime during
the day
Panel is covered by
something; PV panel
is too dirty to supply a
high enough voltage to
charge the battery; PV
panel is not connected
1. Check the panel and ensure
it is not obscured.
2. Check that PV cables are
connected to the controller.
Clean the panel if it is dirty.
Connect PV cables to
controller if not connected.
Problems
with
the
Voltage
Inaccurate
voltage reading
Excessive voltage
drop from batteries to
controller due to loose
connections, small wire
gauge or both.
1. Check the voltage at the
controller battery terminals
with a voltmeter and
compare with the voltage
reading at the battery
terminals.
2. If there is a voltage
discrepancy of more than
0.5V, there is an excessive
voltage drop.
Check all connections from
the controller to the battery
including checking for correct
wire polarity. Check that all
connections are clean, tight
and secure. Shorten the
distance from the controller to
battery or obtain larger gauge
wire. It is also possible to
double up the existing gauge
wire (i.e. two wire runs) to
simulate a larger gauge wire.
page 19
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