Solar Panels not Charging Battery- Causes and Solutions

You just purchased a solar panel, invested in its installation, and have not used it much, but its battery is not getting charged? Well, do not worry, as we have got you covered. 

There could be an extensive range of reasons and factors why your solar panel is not charging the battery. Let's examine each of these potential root causes and find solutions to permanently solve your problem. 

Causes of your solar panels are not charging battery and solutions

The forthcoming article sheds light upon the potential causes and provides a solution to eliminate all the confusion and misconceptions. 

Cause1: Incorrect or improper wiring

Incorrect wiring is one of the most common causes your solar system isn't charging the attached battery storage.  

Check if the wires connecting the solar panel with the other components, such as the controller or inverter, are properly connected. 

If it happens, the flow of electricity is restricted. Thus, the current does not reach the battery or get charged. 

Solution: Inspection and fixation

Address the issue by thoroughly inspecting the solar system's wiring. Check and ensure that each wiring is securely and correctly connected with the proper terminal. If you find any wire loosening, tighten it right away by wearing safety gloves. 

You can also use a wiring diagram to ensure each wire is correctly placed on your solar system. At the same time, inspect for signs of wear and tear, fraying, or corrosion. If you live in a wet place with more humidity, your wires might develop corrosion. 

If any such thing is found, contact professionals for further guidance. 

Cause2: Overcharging

Overcharging is the worst thing you can do to your solar system's battery. It contributes to the deterioration of the battery and inverter by generating access heat, which further results in the loss of charge capacity. At the same time, it also decreases the overall lifespan of your solar batteries. 

Solution: Quality controller 

To avoid this situation, it is mandatory to install a high-quality controller. This device has built-in protection features that regulate the charging process. It also monitors the charging level and prevents it from exceeding the safe voltage limit. 

The controller also monitors the system performance, comparing it with the previous day's performances to ensure it works fine and the battery health is not deteriorating. Thus, you are notified on time if the need for replacement or repair occurs. 

Cause3: Fault in the solar panel

Broken or damaged solar panels can be another potential reason why it is not charging the attached battery. Some of the common faults include: 

1.Appearance of hotspots: If your solar panels have aged a few years, there is a high chance that hot spots have formed. Look carefully to observe if any part of the panel is covered by shadow. This is the hot spot with a greater temperature than the other and is contributing to damage to the module grid line. 

2.Cracks: Solar panels can crack, allowing water to penetrate and creating problems with energy generation. 

3.Broken diode: If the diode of your panel has broken and you are trying to connect it directly to the battery, the current will never flow, leaving your battery without any charge. 

Solution

If your solar panel has a fault, ensure that the positive and negative poles of the wiring are in their right places. Also, check if your panel is blocked by shadows. If so, remove the obstacle right away. Lastly, if you find any damage in the diode, consider replacing it with a new one as soon as possible. 

Cause4: Broken equipment

It is the most common cause of batteries not getting charged among solar system households. The most usual culprit in all such cases remains the inverter or the controller, which can get damaged due to excess heat or other reasons. 

Inspect the solar system from start to finish to land on the accurate, broken piece. 

Solution: Replace

If your charger controller, inverter, or any other component has gone out of order, there is only one way to solve the problem: Replace it with new ones. However, if the damages are minor, you can also consider repairing them. 

Cause5: Insufficient light

A solar panel needs an adequate amount of sunlight to generate power. This is why one needs to install these plates at a specific angle facing the sunlight. However, the position of the sun can change a bit with time. 

Solution: Reangle 

Go to the place where solar panels are installed and carefully examine if they directly face the sun. As a general rule of thumb, your solar panel must maintain direct contact with the sun with no obstacles in between.

Reangle them so that the sun is exactly in the diagonally front direction of the plates. 

Cause6: Inverter problem

A solar panel system needs an inverter to convert DC into AC. If the inverter is down, the battery will not be charged. 

Solution: Repair

Inspect the inverter to determine the problem. You can ask a professional to conduct tests. If it is found malfunctioning, consider replacing or repairing it. 

How to ensure a smooth charging of battery?

To ensure your battery is constantly charged, it is essential to purchase systems from a reputable brand: Innotinum. 

Installing high-quality components helps avoid instant damage and enhances performance. 

The service has a proven track record of providing high-quality products for four years. Their offerings include:

1.All-in-one solar systems are best suited for first-time installers. They contain all the crucial elements needed for the solar system setup. 

2.Batteries: Choose a battery to replace an old one from your existing solar system. 

3.Inverters: The range includes multiple inverters to suit your tailored needs. 

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Solar Panels

Once you’ve resolved the issue with your solar system, it’s important to maintain it to prevent future problems. Here are some tips to keep your solar panels running smoothly:

Regular Cleaning: Clean your solar panels every few months to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Be sure to use a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner.

Inspect Components: Periodically check the wiring, connections, and components for wear and tear.

Monitor System Performance: Use monitoring tools to track the performance of your solar panels and battery. Many systems come with apps or devices that allow you to monitor output in real time.

Schedule Professional Inspections: Have your system inspected by a professional every 1-2 years to ensure everything is functioning optimally.

Conclusion

Are you wondering why your solar panels are not charging the battery? Well, there could be many reasons, such as faulty batteries, insufficient sunlight, broken components, etc. 

To help you, we have formed this guide, which talks about some of the most common causes of the solar system not charging the battery along with their solutions.