A solar generator also known as a solar-powered generator for RV is a portable all-in-one device used to provide steady-state power backup in times when power from the grid is unavailable. Solar generator for RV consists of a portable solar panel and an inverter and batteries in a compact box that looks similar to a gas-powered generator. Due to their portability, ease of use, and installation, solar generators for RV are widely utilized in various applications, including emergency backup in power shutdown, camping, and as a source of energy on an RV or boating trip.
However, you can get in trouble if on your next picnic or hiking campaign the solar power generators you are carrying won’t start. You should be aware of the troubleshooting steps to power up your solar RV generator. This article will help you to learn these troubleshooting tips.
Troubleshooting Tips For RV Solar Generator
Solar-powered RV generator is an ideal device for getting steady state power backup in difficult situations. You can use them in emergency power breakdowns or for traveling and camping purposes. There are multiple reasons why your solar-powered generator for RV won’t start. We have covered the most common faults and problems that you can face while starting your RV solar generator and how to troubleshoot them. Below given are the possible causes with troubleshooting solutions:
1) Blank Display
If the solar-powered RV generator still doesn’t start with no display then there may be a problem with the wiring and fuse between the battery and the controller.
The wiring between the battery and the controller is the issue if there is no voltage reading at the controller battery terminals. The controller won’t work if the battery voltage is less than 6 volts.
Check all connections between the controller and the battery, including the polarity of the wires. Ensure that all connections are clean, secure, and tight. Confirm that the battery voltage is more than 6 volts.
2) Problematic Solar Panel Module
One faulty PV module is sufficient to shut down the complete solar system since they are all interconnected. Use a multimeter to determine the Vmp (voltage at maximum power) and the Imp (current at maximum power). These numbers are displayed on the rear of the solar panel.
Solar panels are either connected in series or parallel. Therefore they will typically provide either a higher voltage or higher amperage when using multiple panels together. Using a multimeter and clamp meter check and compare the current and voltage at each node of connection of solar panels.
Compare voltage and current levels with the solar panel’s rating and inverter’s user manual. Replace the solar panel if found faulty.
3) Battery Has Overheated
Batteries are sensitive to temperatures. If they have been used for a long time or under a heavy load then their temperature can rise. Weather is another big reason for the battery overheating problem. Because solar power generators for RVs are mostly used in outdoor environments, therefore their batteries are prone to the sun’s heat.
If your generator doesn’t start due to battery overheating, then turn off the solar generator and move it to a cooler location under a shade. Allow the batteries to get to normal temperature then restart the RV solar generator again.
4) Battery Has Overloaded
As a result of an over-current condition, the battery of a solar-powered RV generator will get overloaded and finally shut down to prevent damage. For example, if your solar RV generator has a capacity of 1500 Watts and you have connected a load of 1800 Watts; this can cause a battery to be overloaded.
If a solar-powered RV generator shuts down due to battery overloading then it should be reset for a normal start. Below are the steps to reset a solar RV generator:
1. Turn off the main switch of the solar RV generator. It is located on the meter board.
2. Then turn off the solar DC isolating switch
3. Turn on both switches again after waiting for 2 minutes.
4. Resetting a solar inverter can also help to remove unknown error messages that can occur occasionally on the LCD screen.
5) Battery Has Overdischarged
If the battery of a solar powered generator for an RV is over-discharged then it may get into safe mode to prevent battery damage and will not turn on with the power switch. This safety mode can be activated if you are using a solar RV generator for a very long time or running a DC load on a low battery.
The battery must be charged in order to exit safe mode. To begin charging, switch off the solar RV generator and then charge it in one of the following three ways:
1. The easiest way to charge a battery is through AC power through an Inverter connection.
2. Solar charging is also a good option if direct sunlight is available.
3. Finally, the battery can be recharged through direct DC power through a 12V car charging port adapter.
6) Solar Charge Controller Fault
Solar charge controllers of RV solar generators begin to malfunction due to multiple causes, although they may. These are the most probable causes of fault:
1. The cable is worn out and needs to be replaced
2. The charge controller is physically damaged
3. A blown fuse in any part of the wiring
4. The charge controller requires a reset
If there are wiring and fuse issues they should be replaced after disconnecting the charge controller from the solar RV Generator. The physically damaged charge controller card should be completely replaced by a new one. To reset a solar charge controller, follow the below steps:
1. Remove all 4 wires (two positive and two negatives) on the charge controller.
2. After 15 minutes, put the wires back, exactly as before.
3. The charge controller lights will now turn on, indicating it is being reset.
7) Inverter Isolation Fault
Inverter isolation fault can occur due to a short circuit between any parts of the circuit, as a result, the isolation alarm will trigger and the solar RV generator won’t start. Usually, isolation faults appear due to moisture that causes short circuits. Loose wires and cabling can also cause isolation faults.
To troubleshoot an isolation fault, check for any wear and tears in wires and cables and replace them with good quality. Replace any fuses that are burned out due to short-circuiting.
Conclusion
Solar-powered generator for RVs is designed for providing emergency power backups. Due to its portability and ease of use, it’s an ideal choice for electricity power backup in outdoor leisure activities such as camping, hiking, and picnics. However, sometimes the solar RV generator won’t start and you can get into trouble.
With our given troubleshooting tips and techniques you will now be more confident in rectifying startup issues with a solar powered RV generator. Always remember to carry a toolbox along with a multimeter for troubleshooting a solar RV generator. Ensure safety precautions are mentioned in the user manual before starting work.