Specialty Concepts ASC - Manual (Page 14)

TROUBLE SHOOTING
The following section can assist in troubleshooting a solar system. Review the section
below titled “HELP NOTES” that lists some common problems with a solar system.
•
ASC Charge Controller: - If a possible problem is suspected based on the
observations of the ASC controller, refer to the chart titled ASC PROBLEMS
CHART and the “ASC Note” for each condition on the following pages.
•
Battery: - If you feel your batteries are not being adequately charged or are
consistently being over-charged, refer to the section BATTERY PROBLEMS.
•
Solar Panels: - If you feel that the solar panels are not performing adequately,
refer to the section SOLAR PANEL PROBLEMS.
NORMAL CONDITIONS:
1. “ALWAYS CHARGING” or “NEVER CHARGING” - Depending on your system, it may be
normal for the ASC to go for long periods with constant charging or long periods with no
charging. The function of the ASC is to prevent over-charging of the battery. Therefore, it will
charge continuously when the battery voltage is low and stop all charging as long as the
battery voltage is high.
2. BATTERY WATER LOSS - It is normal for vented batteries to need some water from time to
time. Minor water loss is not a problem, just top the level up when needed. Excessive water
loss (a quart or more in a period of a month) may indicate a more serious problem.
3. BATTERY GASSING - In vented batteries, some gassing is good. Gassing stirs up the
battery acid and allows the battery to fully charge. A little bubbling in the batteries is not
necessarily a problem. See BATTERY WATER LOSS above.
4. TEMPERATURE - Temperature can affect the performance of batteries. They will tend to
over-charge easier when hot, and will not have as much capacity when cold. Temperature can
also affect the performance of the solar panels. The charging current can be substantially
higher in cold conditions. When sizing the system, consider the current at cold conditions.
Most panel specifications include a temperature chart. On units with temperature
compensation (Option-A), the charge set-point will be higher in cold weather and lower in hot
weather. See OPTIONS section, Table 1: VOLTAGE SET-POINTS BY TEMPERATURE.
* Voltages above are for 12 volt systems. For 6 volt systems, use half the listed voltage. For 24 volt
systems, multiply by 2. For 36 volts, multiply by 3. For 48 volts, multiply by 4.
HELP NOTES:
(Normal Conditions and Common Problems)