Solar panel charging?

My suggestion is for you to get a (relatively) cheap DC Current Clamp DMM (like this one from Sears). Learn how to use it (put it on your car's battery, turn on head lamps, start engine, let idle, etc.). With the Sears unit, it works well, but the "zero" DC current button is a little bit odd (compared to other meters) in how it works--However it is fine once you understand it (DC clamp meters "zero drift" over a minute or so--It is the nature of the beast--AC current clamp meters work differently and don't have a drifting zero issue).

When you get the DC Current Clamp meter--You zero it and clamp across each major + wire in your system. On the wire from the solar array, on the + wire from the charge controller to the battery bank, etc.

In general, if the MPPT controller is not showing any lights--It is probably not charging.

What you can try (without a meter):

• Disconnect the positive wire from the solar panel (to charge controller).
• Disconnect the positive wire from the battery (to solar charger).
• Wait several minutes (don't know if it matters--everyone just waits for electronics reset).
• Connect the Battery to charge controller first.
• Connect the solar panel to charge controller second.
• See if works.

Note, you may see some smaller sparks... If this bothers you, do the connections at night or cover the solar panel with a dark blanket/tarp. Of course, always be careful when working around batteries. There is hydrogen present that sparks can cause an explosion (take of rings, where glasses/goggles/face shield/old clothes/etc. when working around batteries). Be careful with wrenches to not short circuit the battery bank (use electrical tape to insulate other end of wrench/screw driver shank, if needed).

In general, if the charge controller "went bad"--Then you need a new one. There is not usually anything you can fix inside.

-Bill