- The most common reason for this type of problem is a bad battery. It is highly recommended that the battery be load tested at a battery store to verify that it is good. The load test is the only sure way to know if we have a good battery.
- If the battery load test good then other items need to be checked such as system design, installation or possible charging problems with the system charger / charge controller.
System design and Installation
- Verify the solar panel is facing in a South to Southwest direction and that the panel surface is not shaded by some object.
- System design refers to the accessories connected to the system. Accessories connected to the system cannot use more energy than the charging system can provide. Not all accessories are created equally and some manufacturers use much more energy than others to perform the same function. These concerns are minimized in an AC charged system where the charger has power connected to it continually.
AC Charged Systems ONLY
A. If your system is equipped with the USAutomatic charger / charge controller part # 520006 and is AC charged (not solar) verify the charger / charge controller is properly working. The “external Power” light should be ON and either the “Charging or Charged” light should be ON.
B. If the “external power” light is not ON then check the 120 VAC outlet the transformer is plugged into for the correct voltage and correct problem if necessary.
C. If the 120 VAC power checks good then disconnect the transformer from the charger / charge controller “Power In” plug and using a volt meter check the transformer output. The transformer should read about 18 VAC, if the transformer output is incorrect the transformer needs to be replaced with USAutomatic part # 520004
Solar Charged Systems ONLY
1. If your system is equipped with the USAutomatic charger / chargecontroller part # 520006 and is solar charged (not AC) verify the charger / charge controller is properly working. The “Solar Power” light should be ON and either the “Charging or Charged” light should be ON. This can only be verified when the sun is directly on the solar panel.
2. If the “solar power” light is not ON then using a voltmeter check the output of the solar panel for the proper voltage.
3. Remove the solar panel plug from the charger / charge controller “power In” plug and measure the DC voltage from the solar panel. It typically should be about 19 to 22 VDC. This reading must be taken when the sky is clear and the sun is up directly on the panel.