RV FEATURE
If you have lithium batteries , they will likely have a smart device app that you can use to monitor them . At times , the state of charge displayed on these apps will not correspond with the solar charger , again causing more confusion .
If that is the case , ignore the SOC reading and look at the battery ’ s status . It will indicate if the battery is charging , discharging or fully charged .
If you ’ re still concerned , you can use a multimeter to check the charge voltage at the battery terminals and this will give you an indication if the panels are charging . Any reading over 13V usually means the batteries are getting some charge .
Many electrical issues can be traced to a poor or faulty earth connection . Make sure it ’ s clean and tight . A dob of silicone will help keep it dry and rust-free .
Unfortunately , all solar panels are not created equally , and the issue may be that your panels have simply reached the end of their life . If you put your multimeter on the solar panel input terminals of your solar controller and measure the voltage , even if the batteries are fully charged , there should be a reading . In full sun , that could be anything over 17V .
If you ’ re not getting a reading or if it ’ s low , it ’ s a good sign the panels have had it and will need replacing .
Many late-model caravans will have the safety switch located next to the power inlet , as is the case here .
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