Solar Controller
GP-PWM-30
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© 2012 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
September 2012
8.2 Problems with Voltage
Voltage Reading: Inaccurate
Time of Day: Daytime/Nighttime
Possible Cause:
(1) Excessive voltage drop from batteries to controller due to loose connections, small wire
gauge or both.
How to tell:
(1) Check the voltage at the controller battery terminals with a voltmeter and compare with
the voltage reading at the battery terminals. If there is a voltage discrepancy of more
than 0.5 V, there is an excessive voltage drop.
Remedy:
(1) 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.
8.3 Problems with Current
Current Reading: 0 A
Time of Day: Daytime, clear sunny skies
Possible Cause:
(1) Current is being limited below 1 Amp as per normal operation.
(2) Poor connection between solar array and controller.
How to tell:
(1) The State of Charge (SOC) screen is close to 100% and the Sun and Battery icon are
present with an arrow between.
(2) With the solar array in sunlight, check the voltage at the controller solar array terminals
with a voltmeter. If there is no reading at the controller solar array terminals, the
problem is somewhere in the wiring from the solar array to the controller.
Remedy:
(2) Check all connections from the controller to the array including checking for correct wire
polarity. Check that all connections are clean, tight, and secure.
Continue with the solutions below for additional help on low current readings.
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