I'm trying to figure out if my battery charging system is working correctly. I set it all up following the instructions after purchasing a system off Amazon. However, once the battery reached 100%, it never seems to charge again, not even when I connect the camper to shore power. Before I dive into ripping apart any wires, I'd like to know how I can check if the battery is actually charging. I'm using a Victron controller, which shows my solar panel producing power. I'm considering a few possible issues: it might be wired incorrectly, the battery might not be suitable for this system, or the gauge I'm using could be faulty or improperly set up.
3 Answers
Make sure to switch the display setting to show amps (A). This will indicate whether current is going into the battery or coming out, but just a heads up, it won't influence the actual charging of the battery itself.
You might want to try using a multimeter or a similar tool for troubleshooting your battery and electrical setup. It allows you to measure the voltage at your charge controller, solar panels, and battery terminals without having to disassemble anything. This can give you a clearer picture of what's happening in your system. Here's a link to a helpful tool: https://a.co/d/iVSJvWC
It sounds like you might want to consider getting the Victron shunt to pair with your controller. They can share data via the same app. Your current monitor should display the amperage currently flowing in or out; you may just need to change the display settings to see that info. Also, make sure to check if the display has an option for showing 'A' for amps.
I have the Victron app, and it connects well with my controller. I'll download the data soon and share it for more help. As of now, I can see the voltage reading, along with the watts, but it's less than what I expected.