gpelectric.com | [page 15]
10. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before a problem is suspected with the system, read this section. There are numerous events that may appear as problems but are in fact perfectly
normal. Please visit gpelectric.com for the most up-to-date FAQs.
It seems like my ooded batteries are losing water over time.
Floodedbatteriesmayneedtohavedistilledwateraddedperiodicallytoreplaceuidlossduringcharging.Excessivewaterlossduringashortperiod
of time indicates the possibility of overcharging or aging batteries.
When charging, my ooded batteries are emitting gas.
During charging, hydrogen gas is generated within the battery. The gas bubbles stir the battery acid, allowing it to receive a fuller state of charge.
Important: Ensure batteries are in a well-ventilated space.
My voltmeter shows a different reading than the GP-PWM-30-SB display.
The meter value on the GP-PWM-30-SB display is an approximate reading intended for indication purposes only. There is an approximate 0.1 volt
inherent error present that may be accentuated when compared with readings from another voltmeter.
There may be a slight difference between the battery voltage displayed on the GP-PWM-30-SB display and the battery voltage measured at the battery
terminals. When troubleshooting using a voltmeter, check both the battery voltage at the GP-PWM-30-SB controller terminals and battery voltage at
the battery terminals. If a difference of more than 0.5 volts is noted, this indicates a large voltage drop possibly caused by loose connections, long
wire runs, small wire gauge, faulty wiring, a faulty voltmeter, or all the above. Consult the Suggested Minimum Wire Gauge chart in Section 5 for
wiring suggestions and check all connections.
What causes a warning signal and when are the warnings triggered?
CONNECTION WARNING NOTES LCD
Battery reverse polarity
“POL” on LCD and constant
audible alarm
PV reverse polarity
“POL” on LCD and constant
audible alarm
Battery must be connected
with correct polarity
Why does the battery SOC% never reach 100%?
A 100% value will only appear after a 2 hour Boost or Equalize charge has completed. The charge voltage must be maintained for an extended period
of time to replenish the energy in the battery bank back to its rated capacity.
If the charge voltage cannot be maintained continuously, then the actual time it takes to complete Boost or Equalize charging may take much longer
than 2 hours, even more than 1 day.
If loads are consuming more power than the solar panels can supply, then the battery bank cannot be charged to 100%.