Xantrax C 60

Does not the C 60 just use a couple of POTs (sort of like volume knobs) to adjust float/bulk settings (plus a jumper to set 12 volt or 24 volt battery bank)?

http://www.solar-electric.com/lib/wind-sun/Cseries-manual.pdf (PDF Page 42 of the manual)

-Bill

Then we need to start debugging... Do you have a volt meter or a DC Current Clamp DMM (like this one from Sears)?

-Bill

OK... Take the meter and measure the Voltage at Vpanel input for the C60. And Measure the voltage at the Vouput of the controller and Vbattery.

Typical numbers would be:

• Vpanel ~ 42 volts if the charge controller is not charging (note: a "full battery" will not be charging either)
• Vpanel ~28 to 42 volts if the charge controller is charging (actually ~Vbatt to 42 volts if charging)
• Vbatt ~24 to 25.4 volts if not charging
• Vbatt ~27 to 29 volts if charging (should be 28.6 volts for 2-6 hours if charging)
• Vbatt >~30 volts is "equalizing". Short term "higher voltage" charging to "equalize" the cells of lead acid batteries (AGM/GEL batteries should not "equalize")
• Voutput ~ Vbatt plus a few 10ths of a volt (when charging). Approximately equal to Vbatt when not charging.

If you have a DC Current Clamp DMM (digital multi meter--Like this one), you can use the current clamp to measure actual current flow (clamp meters are much easier and safer for measuring current flow than a regular DMM).

Note that solar panels output nearly Vmp (~36 volts) and Voc (voltage open circuit) once there is "weak direct sunlight" on the panels. The current available from the panels is proportional to the amount of direct sunlight on the panels. With Imp current around noontime full sun (and panels pointing at sun).

Remember that a solar charge controller can not output current because:

• Battery is fully charged (no current needed)
• Controller is set for 12 volts on a 24 volt battery bank (wrong jumper setting on C60)
• Poor Electrical connections
• Shade on panel(s)
• Bad Charge Controller
• Bad Solar Panels

Use the volt meter to figure out if there is available voltage/current/power from the solar array and if charge controller is "seeing" correct battery voltage.

-Bill