Specialty Concepts SC3/15 - Manual (Page 18)

BATTERY PROBLEMS:
- Refer to this section to help diagnose potential problems based
on battery observations.
CASE BATTERY SEE NOTE(S)
1
→
Does not fully charge batteries See Battery Note 1
2
→
Seems to be over-charging See Battery Note 2
Battery Note 1 - BATTERY UNDER-CHARGED: If the batteries are not able to be charged sufficiently,
consider one of the following problems:
••
Solar Panels Problem or Bad Connection- Panel may be dirty, not aligned or other problem. See
Help Note #7 and #9
••
SC3/15 Controller Problem - A problem may exist with the charging input from the controller. This
would delete or reduce the daily re-charging of the battery. A problem with the SC3/15 would not
cause the battery to be drained of voltage. See the SC3/15 PROBLEM section.
••
A Bad Battery or Bad Connection- The batteries or their connection may be going bad. See Help
Note #8 and #10
••
A Cold Battery - Cold temperatures can affect the battery charging (see Help Note #4). If the battery
is cold much of the time, the battery’s long-term performance and life may suffer.
••
System not sized correctly - For too much usage, try charging the battery with another charging
source (engine alternator, generator or AC battery charger). If the batteries are OK and hold the
charge, an increase in the number batteries and panels may be needed to support the usage. See
Help Note #6.
Battery Note 2 - BATTERY OVER-CHARGING: If there is evidence that the batteries have been over-
charging, consider these points:
•
Normal Battery Condition: The batteries may not be over-charging but only be experiencing normal
water loss and normal levels of gassing. See Help Notes # 2 and #3
••
A Problem with the Batteries - The batteries could be configured incorrectly. See Help Note #8
••
A Hot Battery - See TEMPERATURE (Help Note #4)
•
Non-compatible Batteries: The batteries may be a type that are not compatible with this system and
require a lower full-charge voltage.
•
Other Charging Sources: Another charging source could be the cause. Some 110 volt battery
chargers are not well regulated and could over-charge batteries if left unattended.
•
Controller Problem: The SC3/15 could be defective. If the charging light is on and the actual battery
voltage (measured at the battery) is over 14.7 volts, the controller appears to be defective or out of
calibration. See the SC3/15 PROBLEM section.
SOLAR PANEL PROBLEMS:
- Refer to this section to help diagnose potential
problems based on panel performance.
CASE PANELS SEE NOTE(S)
1
→
Less charge than expected See Panel Note 1
Panel Note 1 - The panels should generate a charge close to their rated short circuit current as presented
in their specifications. To reach this level assumes that all conditions are ideal. If the panel
performance as observed at the SC3/15’s “PANEL” meter is much lower, consider the following
potential problems.
••
Solar Panels Problem - Panels may be dirty, not aligned or other problem. See Help Note #7.
Monitor the "PANEL" meter as the panels are cleaned and oriented. Locate panel where no
shadows will cross it.
••
Bad Connection to the Solar Panel or Batteries - See Help Notes #9 and #10. Check for possible
voltage drop in the connections. See INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS: step #17. CHECK FOR
VOLTAGE DROP.
••
Solar Panels may be Defective - Panels can have internal problems that can reduce the charging
output. See Help Note #7.
TEST: Disconnect the array(+) wire from the yellow wire on the SC3/15, and measure the panel
voltage between the array(+) and the array(-) (black wire). In sunny conditions, this should be 18-24
volts. A lower value could indicate problems with the solar panel or panel connection.