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Is my battey bad or is it the panel?

Post in 'The Green Room' started by muncybob, Feb 25, 2013.

  1. muncybob Minister of Fire

    joined: Apr 8, 2008
    1,788 posts
    Near Williamsport, PA
    I have a very small solar panel on top of my shed that did charge a battery for my shed light. I'm not sure if my battey is bad or if the panel is no longer working? How can I tell if it's the panel?
    muncybob, Feb 25, 2013
    #1

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  2. Jags Super Moderator

    joined: Aug 2, 2006
    11,295 posts
    Northern Illinois
    Do you have a test meter? Test the voltage at the battery terminals when the panel should obviously be producing (high sunlight). You should get a reading higher than 13V.
    Jags, Feb 25, 2013
    #2

  3. begreen Super Moderator

    joined: Nov 18, 2005
    36,118 posts
    South Puget Sound, WA
    In addition to that test, disconnect the battery and test it for voltage. If it is below 12 volts that could be the issue, especially if the battery is at a cold outdoor temp. Also, if you can, check the fluid in the cells. If you see exposed plates, it is probably shot.
    begreen, Feb 25, 2013
    #3

  4. seige101 Feeling the Heat

    joined: Mar 25, 2008
    486 posts
    Palmer, MA
    Perhaps the solar panel hasn't been producing enough power to charge the battery or the cold winter temps have been decreasing capacity or have frozen the battery.

    Take the battery inside, let it warm up and throw it on a charger. Then put it back outside and see if it works
    seige101, Feb 25, 2013
    #4

  5. Circus New Member

    joined: Jan 11, 2013
    59 posts
    EC Wisconsin
    Test the battery by charging it with something else. Lead acid batteries are killed by over draining. NiCa are killed by under draining.
    Circus, Feb 26, 2013
    #5

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