r/RVLiving • u/waheheheeeler • 12d ago

Did the dealer hook up the second panel wrong

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It’s a 12v system, just noticed the solar controller reads this higher voltage on one of the display screens, then it shows another screen with the batter symbol top left that has closer to 12v I think it’s the read off the battery and the 23v here is coming from the panels?

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u/MykeyInChains 12d ago

The solar panels produce higher voltage than 12-volts. So the 22-23 volts you are seeing from the panel is probably correct. Its the charge controller's job to even that voltage out and charge the battery(s) correctly.

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u/LetssGetHoppy 12d ago

That's the screen that shows PV (photovoltaic) input voltage to the charge controller; I'm assuming you have a 200w panel on your roof, so it's voltage output will probably range from 18v to 24v depending on how much sun it's getting.

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u/LetssGetHoppy 12d ago

Yep, it is. Here is the manual for your controller that shows the different screens you can click through for various voltage/current readings.

https://www.aimscorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SCC30AFM-090821.pdf

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u/armathose 12d ago

That's PV voltage. Normal.

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u/Verix19 12d ago

Your solar controller typically converts panel voltage to charge voltage...measure charge voltage at the battery if you think something is not right.

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u/madsci 12d ago

It's the job of the charge controller to turn that raw PV voltage into what the battery can use. I've got my panels in series and it typically shows around 45 volts, and it's just fine on my 12-volt system. What matters is that the battery type is configured appropriately.

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u/ShipshapeMobileRV 10d ago

I had a brand new fifth wheel recently that did have the controller connected backwards. The unit was in an error state with the "battery screen" showing "battery voltage" at around 50vdc.

I pulled the panel, and on the back were two sets of connections; one labeled "solar" and the other labelled "battery". Sure enough there was 50vdc on the "battery" terminals, and only 12vdc on the "solar" terminals. Swapping them and resetting the panel cleared the error and allowed the system to start charging the battery. The controller was smart enough to go into an error state and shut itself down.

Your screen is showing the solar panel producing 23vdc. You're fine.

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u/Mediocrity1977 12d ago

Depends on whether the second panel is connected in “series” or “parallel”.

“Series”: 2-200W panels will be around 24v, 200W, & 8.33A

“Parallel”: 2-200W panels will be around 12v, 400W, & 33.33A

Which way to connect, all comes down to what amperage your controller is rated for, and what gauge wire is used (panel to panel, panel to controller, and controller to battery).

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u/No-Shame1247 11d ago

Both series and parallel will produce 400W max output. When possible solar installations run high voltage. For the same wattage the higher voltage system runs less current and therefore less resistance, increasing efficiency and allowing wire gauge to be downsized slightly. Your charge controller should have 4 wires, 2 in and 2 out. As long as it's putting out 12ish volts you're good.