Rockwell Automation 1748 DataSite Configured Panel Installation Instructions - Manual (Page 36)

Publication 1748-IN001B-EN-P - May 2009
36 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting the Solar
Controller of the DataSite
Configured Panel Depending on the system it will be normal for the solar controller to go a long
period of time with or without charging. The function of the solar controller is
to regulate the charging of the batteries in the DataSite configured panel.
After a long period without sunlight, the solar controller will allow the solar
panel to charge the batteries of the DataSite configured panel for an extended
period of time. The charging LED on the solar controller may remain lit for an
extended period of time. The opposite will also occur when there is minimal
use of the DataSite configured panel batteries for an extended period of time.
The charge light may not illuminate when there is sunlight striking the solar
panel. This is because the batteries are fully charged and adding additional
charge can cause an overcharge condition of the battery.
Perform the following to check the solar controller for correct functionality.
• Step 1: Check environment
• Step 2: Check solar panel output
• Step 3: Check condition of batteries
• Step 4: Test condition of power transistors in solar controller
• Step 5: Test condition of blocking diode in solar controller
• Step 6: Test temperature compensation cable
The numbers in parentheses ( ) refer to the components as shown on page 11 .
ATTENTION
Since batteries will not store their full charge in extreme cold
environments, the DataSite configured panel batteries supplied
may not contain sufficient charge to keep the system running
for extended periods without sunlight.
To view a derating table, see DataSite Configured Panel Battery
Derating on page 46 .