Specialty Concepts SC3/20 - Manual (Page 21)

SC3/20 Case 16 - The reading of the charge termination set-point (Position “C”) will differ at warm or cool times. The
actual voltage set-point remains unchanged. Monitor and adjust the set-point at times of mild ( or “room
temperature”).
BATTERY PROBLEMS:
- Refer to this section to help diagnose potential problems
based on battery observations.
CASE BATTERY SEE NOTE(S)
1
→
Seems to be over-charging See Battery Note 1
2
→
Does not fully charge batteries See Battery Note 2
Battery Note 1 - 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. Check the “BATTERY VOLTAGE” reading. Normal
battery voltage for a wet cell battery can be up to 14.6 volts. (See Help Notes #2 and #3)
•
Controller Problem: The SC3/20 could be defective. Perform the FUSE REMOVAL TEST. If
"BATTERY" voltage moves up to between 14.0 and 15.0 volts and a buzz or high pitched whine is
heard, then the unit is working. The batteries may not be seriously over-charged. Check for
INCORRECT VOLTAGE SET-POINT (Help Note #11)
•
Non-compatible Batteries: The batteries may be a type that are not compatible with this system and
require a lower full-charge voltage. Refer to INCORRECT VOLTAGE SET-POINT (Help Note #11).
•
Other Charging Sources: Another charging source could be the cause. If the SC3/20 “CHARGING”
light is off and the “ARRAY CURRENT” reading is 0, then the solar system is off and overcharging
can be from another source. Some 110 volt battery chargers are not well regulated and could over-
charge batteries if left unattended.
••
A Hot Battery - Hot temperatures can affect the battery charging (see Help Note #4). A hot location
for batteries will tend to over-charge the batteries.
Battery Note 2 - BATTERY UNDER-CHARGED: If the battery voltage is low and they are not able to be
charged sufficiently, consider one of the following problems:
••
Solar Panels Problem - Panel may be dirty, not aligned or other problem. See Help Note #6
••
Bad Connection to the Solar Panel - See Help Note #7
••
SC3/20 Controller Problem - Perform the FUSE REMOVAL TEST. The voltage reading should
increase. Also, see the SC3/20 PROBLEM section. Examine the readings from the SC3/20 meter
to see if they indicate a problem.
••
A Bad Battery - The batteries may be going bad. TEST: If the battery is going bad, a little charging
or discharging will cause a large change in the battery voltage.
••
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 - See Help Note #5. 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.