Autotrail Comanche (2013) solar not working

[1881TB]

Morning all,

We have never seen any charge coming from our solar panel on our 2013 Autotrail Comanche. The Panel always says 'Solar: 0.0 amps'. The We just thought it was because there wasn't enough sun when we were in the UK but we are now down near Bordeaux and still nothing. Our neighbours had 0.3 amps. I can't find any fuse named 'solar' and can't find anything looking like the regulator. I have checked the roof and the panel is definitely there!

I'd appreciate any help checking the system before I try to find professional help. I'm heading for Albufeira and the driving is sufficient charge at the moment but I'll need it fixed when I stop for a week or so.

Ta.

 

[namwaldog]

I am sure someone will be along with proper "technical" help soon but you could start by, on the roof, follow the cabling that is coming from the SP's and through the roof of the MH. Inside, find where they enter the van and follow them to find your solar charge controller. At least there you will be able to test any incoming charge. If you haven't got one already, try and get hold of a multimeter from either the China shops in Spain or Leroy Merlin in France and Spain.
We have a Burstner with Electroblok so can't give any more advise on your setup.

 

[autorouter]

There's a possibility that the solar panel is charging OK, but the display panel is not registering it for some reason.

You can get clue about what is going on by looking at the battery voltages. Does your panel show them? You have to be a bit careful how you interpret them, because they can be a bit misleading.

The key fact is, a 12 volt battery can never get above 13.6 volts by its own power.

If the voltage is more than 13.6 volts, then something is charging it. If the engine.is off, and you're not on mains hookup, then it must be the solar panel.

The opposite is not true: if the battery voltage is less than 13.6 volts, maybe the solar panel is charging, maybe it isn't.

I'd be expecting a voltage of 14 to 14.5 volts on a sunny day if the battery is not completely charged already. Maybe 13.8 volts if it's fully charged.

 

[Polar bear]

My solar controller is built into the sergeant control panel if yours is the same check the plug has not come loose as they can vibrate out.

 

[1881TB]

Wow, thanks for all the help, I will try to check the wires tomorrow. I'll also get a multimeter as we're having a day off driving tomorrow. Currently in Biarritz where there is no noticeable sun to speak of. We are on him up but I'll unplug to see what I have. I know the battery was below 12 amps this morning when we had been off grid for the night. Cheers.

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[1881TB]

Hook up*

 

[tonka]

As polar bear says. On most Autotrails the Sargent unit has a built in solar regulator .. from the control panel above the door you can select how the charger works, smart to do both leisure and engine, leisure only or just engine. May be worth checking that setting, full details on the Sargent website. I would also check for an inline fuse between the panel and the Sargent unit. Cables will be tucked up in the high cupboards.

 

[1881TB]

Thanks for your help everyone! During a break in the rain, I got on the roof, identified the wire (a big fat one) and traced it to the back of the unit where I found that one of the wires had evidently shaken loose (there wasn't a plug). Must have been like that when we bought the van as we have never had any power from it and now we have, despite the slate grey skies. I’m quite proud of myself for fixing it as I had to pluck up the courage to unscrew the complicated looking electrical EC500 control panel. It was actually really simple in the end.

 

[tonka]

Thanks for your help everyone! During a break in the rain, I got on the roof, identified the wire (a big fat one) and traced it to the back of the unit where I found that one of the wires had evidently shaken loose (there wasn't a plug). Must have been like that when we bought the van as we have never had any power from it and now we have, despite the slate grey skies. I’m quite proud of myself for fixing it as I had to pluck up the courage to unscrew the complicated looking electrical EC500 control panel. It was actually really simple in the end.

Good news... Glad your sorted..

 

[laurieash]

Thanks for your help everyone! During a break in the rain, I got on the roof, identified the wire (a big fat one) and traced it to the back of the unit where I found that one of the wires had evidently shaken loose (there wasn't a plug). Must have been like that when we bought the van as we have never had any power from it and now we have, despite the slate grey skies. I’m quite proud of myself for fixing it as I had to pluck up the courage to unscrew the complicated looking electrical EC500 control panel. It was actually really simple in the end.

Wait till you have to take the whole unit out for repair and you start unplugging everything.
My advice is take photographs so when the unit comes back in a week or so you'll know we're the plugs go.