Solar power low. What am I doing wrong?

[Scottiec33]

I have a Dokio 100w solar panel which I've been using with a smaller power pack until recently when I acquired an Allpowers pack in the photo when built in MPPT. However even in strong midday sun and aligning the panel, I'm only getting 30w max. What's the likely problem here?

 

[roadtripper]

Which connection are you using?

Some of the Allpower units have a dedicated solar connection distinct from the 12v car charging connection.

If yours is the model I think it is it has an Anderson type.connection on it for the solar input...

 

[roadtripper]

Looking at the Dokio 100w folding specs you're right on the limit (just over) for the voltage on the Allpowers input 22.5 on the panel and 22v on the input:

 

[Scottiec33]

The solar panel I have uses xt60 type connectors so I had to purchase a suitable converter to Anderson which the Allpowers unit then accepts. It's this unit however....

 

[roadtripper]

Cool, tricky to see in the photo.

I'd get a multimeter in voltage mode across the unconnected panel and measure the open circuit voltage, then do the same in high current mode and check the short circuit current and see if they are in spec.

Check the panel is behaving if you can first. In fact of you still have the older pack switch it back and see if it works with that?

 

[Scottiec33]

Thank you I'll try that. It still works when the old pack bit that is a more basic one with just a sequence of flashing lights to tell you it's charging etc.

 

[Dellmassive]

What's the state of charge of the all powers?

It will need to be lower for the bulk charge stage and max power.

If it's 80% or more charged the power drops off as the all powers tops it's self up.

 

[Scottiec33]

Thank you. Only around 50% when I've been trying this.