Help solar not charging batteries

[S&Dfz331]

So I bought the 13 amp brief case solar panel and battery monitor at Harbor freight. It's putting out right at 12.48 volts but it just won't charge my batteries. My 5er has 2 batteries they are all hooked up still. I hook the charger to one battery and when I go to check the batteries are completely dead. I have tried with the battery disconnect both on and off. What am I doing wrong?


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[chuckster57]

Are the panels in sunlight the entire time? How long are you letting it charge? If you have 2 batteries hooked together, then the solar leads should be attached with positive lead on one battery and negative lead on the other.

[S&Dfz331]

The panels are on the roof facing south in full vegas sun. I do have it connected to one battery. I'll try the leads one on each.
Thank you.


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[chuckster57]

I would also use a Volt/Ohm meter. Test battery voltage across bank without the charge leads attached, then with them attached. If the readings are the same you may have a problem with the solar.

I'm not a solar expert by any means so that test may be invalid. Hopefully someone with more knowledge will add.

[MickLittle]

If your solar panel is rated for 13 amps, than that is a "VERY" large solar panel. (You mentioned a suitcase panel) The panels would be 150 or more watts of solar.
Check voltage of solar leads without battery. Voltage should be around 18-20. Hooked to battery would only show current condition of the battery while charging. When a battery is at full charge, then voltage at the battery should be around 13-14 volts. Try these tests and let us know your outcome!

[fourfourto]

I know the one you bought its only 13 watts not amps its small may be 1 amp:eek:
Good for maintaining but not so good for charging. :facepalm:
The 3 panel 45 watt one might be better for charging it is 3 amps.
Or some of the ones that have more watts /amps installed by some people here. search solar panels.

[S&Dfz331]

Thanks for correcting me on that I always say watts when I mean amps[emoji1303]. My batteries where fully charged from my last camping trip a month ago. I'll test the leads coming from the solar panel. And pull my batteries bring them home and put them on my charger. Then hook them back up to the solar with positive on one and negative on the other and see if it will maintain from there.


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[On The Road Again]

It sounds like you may not have a diode installed that prevents backflow when you have little or no sunlight. In other words, without a properly installed diode, power flows from the battery to the solar panel at night, thereby draining your battery.

Do an internet post on "solar panel diode."

Hope this helps.