Specialty Concepts SC3/20 - Manual (Page 22)

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 measured at the panel inputs on the SC3/20 controller is much lower, consider the
following potential problems.
••
Solar Panels Problem - Panels may be dirty, not aligned or other problem. See Help Note #6. TEST:
Monitor the "ARRAY CURRENT" reading before and after cleaning of the solar panels and
orientation. Locate panel where no shadows will cross it.
••
Bad Connection to the Solar Panel - See Help Note 7. TEST: Measure the voltage up at the solar
panel, and then down at the battery itself during a sunny period of maximum charging. These
voltage readings should not be more than 1 to 1.5 volts different. More than that would indicate a
bad connection or other voltage drop in the system. Suspect crimp connections that have not been
soldered.
••
Solar Panels may be defective - TEST: At the SC3/20, disconnect the array(+) connection (yellow
wire), and measure the solar array voltage between the array(+) (yellow wire connection) and the
array(-) (green wire connection). In sunny conditions, this should be 18-24 volts (in a 12 volt
system). A lower value could indicate problems with the solar panel.