Specialty Concepts SC3/10) - Manual (Page 8)

TROUBLE SHOOTING
The following section can assist in the troubleshooting of a solar system. Please
review the section below titled “HELP NOTES” which lists some common problems
with a solar system.
•
SC3/10 Charge Controller: - If a possible problem is suspected based on the
observations of the SC3/10 controller, refer to the chart titled SC3/10
PROBLEM CHART and the “Case 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. You may be asked to
perform a test using a voltage multi-meter to assist with the diagnosis.
HELP NOTES:
(Normal Conditions and Common Problems)
NORMAL CONDITIONS:
1. NORMAL OPERATION: CHARGING / NOT CHARGING - Depending on your system, the
SC3/10 may go for long periods of constant charging or long periods with no charging. The
SC3/10 is designed to prevent over-charging of the battery. It does this by stopping the
charging at about 14.3 volts. It will then turn the solar panel off. Charging will resume when
the battery voltage drops to about 13.5 volts. If the battery is fully charged, additional
charging may not be needed. If the charge current is not strong enough to over-charge the
battery, the controller may not turn the panel charging off.
2. BATTERY WATER LOSS - Vented batteries will need some water from time to time in the
natural course of events. 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.