Sorry. I have to re-post this as my local, small-town email provider's server
crashed the day I sent this out. I couldn't receive any responses.
Hi Wrenches,
I inherited an off-grid PV system that seems to be significantly under
producing. I have:
12 KC120's (~19V 7A each) paired up 2 in series, for 6 strings terminated on
new 15A breakers in a new Midnite combiner,
Output of combiner passes through a 60A breaker into a RV SolarBoost 50 charge
controller. An SW4024 ties in the CC, a Kohler 8.5 Gen set, and a Yuasa 24V
battery bank.
My problem is that I never see more than about 5A (displayed at charge
controller) coming off the array, even in full sun, regardless of the state of
charge of the batteries. I figure I should see, at least once in a while,
closer to between 20-30A. Batteries are, admittedly, passed their life
expectancy as the system was installed in '02 and I am sure this is part of the
problem. I'm thinking that if the batteries are at about 1/2 capacity (don't
own a hydrometer...yet), the controller senses the batteries are near full SOC
even at lower voltage (~24V) and is therefore attempting to trickle charge even
in the bulk stage. Though this is not how the CC is supposed to function in
bulk, obviously, I'm assuming the old batteries are altering the standard
operating conditions of the system. I've adjusted the Bulk set point on the CC
but that doesn't seem to make a difference.
I doubt this is part of the problem but the generator is problematic as well
(it has it's own array of maladies).
Any insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Eric Stikes
Owner
SunHarvest Solar
+1 (530) 798 - 3738
www.harvesthesun.com
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