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?
Is my battey bad or is it the panel?
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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.
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.
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
Take the battery inside, let it warm up and throw it on a charger. Then put it back outside and see if it works
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Feeling the Heat
Test the battery by charging it with something else. Lead acid batteries are killed by over draining. NiCa are killed by under draining.
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