Steca Solar Panel Controller - query.

lufcdave7

Guest
Is there an electrical expert out there to explain this please?
We have a Steca unit controlling a 130 watt panel and it works very well.
However, after recently disconnecting the wiring from leisure batteries to controller (to re-route cable) the percentage reading dropped from 100% to 73%. The voltage reading remained the same at 13.9 volts.
Query:
1.) Why did the percentage drop by 27% after disconnection/reconnection?
2.) Why does it take so long to bring the percentage back up to 100%?
3.) What is the relationship or difference between the percentage and voltage readings, apart from the format?
Thanks
Dave
 
lufcdave7 said:
Is there an electrical expert out there to explain this please?
We have a Steca unit controlling a 130 watt panel and it works very well.
However, after recently disconnecting the wiring from leisure batteries to controller (to re-route cable) the percentage reading dropped from 100% to 73%. The voltage reading remained the same at 13.9 volts.
Query:
1.) Why did the percentage drop by 27% after disconnection/reconnection?
2.) Why does it take so long to bring the percentage back up to 100%?
3.) What is the relationship or difference between the percentage and voltage readings, apart from the format?
Thanks
Dave
Click to expand...

Hi Dave,
You do not tell us what van you have or anything about the type of control panel that is fitted to your van not even the model of the steca controler.
Very hard to do educated guessing please provide more info.
Ta
Wanderer
 
Hi Wanderer,
Sorry.
The van is an Autotrail Chieftain, but the solar panel and Steca pr 1010 controller is not wired through the vans charging system. It was originally (without Steca unit), but stopped working during the first season we had the van. Our service centre advised me to by-pass the Sargeant unit and purchase the Steca controller.
Cheers
Dave
 
Battery voltage is not meant to be understood by mere mortals. After disconnecting the charger the battery voltage will drop for about 20 mins until it reaches 'float voltage', this can vary according to temperature, battery condition and other stuff. When charging the first 90% or so goes in quickly and the last 10% much more slowly. Depending on your battery / charger combination this could take forever. There's loads of info on tinternet, unfortunately most of it is written in ancient geek.
 
lufcdave7 said:
Hi Wanderer,
Sorry.
The van is an Autotrail Chieftain, but the solar panel and Steca pr 1010 controller is not wired through the vans charging system. It was originally (without Steca unit), but stopped working during the first season we had the van. Our service centre advised me to by-pass the Sargeant unit and purchase the Steca controller.
Cheers
Dave
Click to expand...

So if I understand you correctly, the Steca unit is doing the job of the Seargent in that all the consumers of the motorhome are powered via the Steca control box.

The Steca unit is highly sophisticated and must be commisioned and decommisioned in a certain order.

The reduced reading shown on the SOC window may simply be that you did not follow the correct procdure for disconection from batteries.

Leaving it for a period of 24 hrs may cure it.

If you do not have a manual for your controller here is a link for one that you can download and print off for your records Steca pr 1010 controller
Wanderer
 
From memory I think that the manual for my Stecca controller says that you have to disconnect the solar panel before disconnecting the battery. When reconnecting you have to connect the battery first then the solar panel, you would also have to re-check the settings of the controller.
 
Hi Wanderer,
No, all the original van electrics still work via the Seargent.
The only equipment that is wired directly to the Steca unit is my inverter board, (12v regulator unit/ twin 12v socket/ 400watt inverter and a seperate 12v socket that powers the tv.
I did follow the wiring up procedure, i.e. disconnect panel first and connect last, etc.
The system works very well, we always have a full battery bank, it was just my curiosity wanting to know where my 27% had gone and why the unit showed 73% when the batteries were fully charged.
Cheers
Dave
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who viewed this discussion (Total:0)

Back
Top