Solar Issue - Resolved

[razzle501]

I wanted to make a post on some troubleshooting I did in the PV system of a 2018 hawk since I saw a lot of questions when googling and a lot of incorrect an answers. So if you're not getting voltage or power from the panels, do this:

I was getting a panel voltage of 10-12v with no watts through the MPPT controller

- Checked continuity of the wiring
- checked plugs (roof and aux)
- checked charge controller
- reset MPPT controller to default
- removed panel and inspected wiring
- inspected panel cells
- inspected panel bus bars

The last thing I checked was the issue. The connections were done by someone other than me.. and they screwed the connectors into the plastic bus bar retainer.

I removed the connectors and crimped the wires to the bus bar of the panel... all good now showing 20v and 150-180w

 

[Jon R]

I wanted to make a post on some troubleshooting I did in the PV system of a 2018 hawk since I saw a lot of questions when googling and a lot of incorrect an answers. So if you're not getting voltage or power from the panels, do this:

I was getting a panel voltage of 10-12v with no watts through the MPPT controller

- Checked continuity of the wiring
- checked plugs (roof and aux)
- checked charge controller
- reset MPPT controller to default
- removed panel and inspected wiring
- inspected panel cells
- inspected panel bus bars

The last thing I checked was the issue. The connections were done by someone other than me.. and they screwed the connectors into the plastic bus bar retainer.

I removed the connectors and crimped the wires to the bus bar of the panel... all good now showing 20v and 150-180w

Those “bus bars” are part of the solar panel itself?

 

[razzle501]

Those “bus bars” are part of the solar panel itself?

Yes. The plastic is just a cover that the wires connect into to make an IP67 enclosure

 

[Jon R]

Yes. The plastic is just a cover that the wires connect into to make an IP67 enclosure

Interesting. I wonder if the panel manufacturer or a previous owner did that. Regardless, good job methodically figuring it out!