Specialty Concepts SC3/15 - Manual (Page 11)

M O N I T O R I N G
The system operation can be monitored by the meters and “CHARGING” light.
“CHARGING” LIGHT: The "CHARGING" light will be on when the battery is charging. When the
battery is at a low state of charge, the light will be on continuously during the day. When the
battery charges up, the light will go out for awhile (until the voltage drops a little) and then will be
on again. When the battery is close to full charge, the light will be on for short periods of time, and
off for longer.
The charging light will be on when there is voltage from the solar panel and the battery can use
more charging. This could result in the "CHARGING" light being on when the panels are in very
low light conditions, such as the moon and street lights.
METERS: These meters have an accuracy of 5% of full scale, which means the voltage reading
may be off by .75 volts, and the current by .75 amps. These meters are intended only as an
INDICATION of system condition, like a gas gauge on a car, and NOT as an accurate
measurement. For more precise measurements, a separate meter with higher accuracy is
advisable.
"BATTERY" METER: This meter reads battery voltage. The battery voltage is a general
indication of battery condition, or capacity.
GREEN: The battery is charged or in good condition.
YELLOW: Usage should be more conservative.
RED: Usage should be limited and other sources of charging used if available.
"PANEL" METER: This meter indicates the amount of current the solar panel is generating.
Consult the panel supplier or literature for rated output to see what the output should be for
the total number of panels in the system under ideal conditions. Ideal conditions are a
bright sunny day, the panel aimed right at the sun and no shadows or dirt on the panel. Any
current generated by the solar panels will be used first to operate any loads that are on,
and any left over will go into the battery for charging. The current meter can be used to
optimize the array tilt angle by moving the array (if possible) and noting when current is
maximum.
SC3/15 STATUS
BATTERY
METER PANEL
METER CHARGE
LIGHT OTHER STATUS
9.5-11.5 volts 1-15 amps ON Daytime Battery is low and is charging. Reduce
usage and charge from other source if
possible.
9.5-11.5 volts No amps OFF Night Battery is low. Reduce usage and
charge from other source if possible.
12-14.5 volts 1-15 amps ON Daytime OK - Battery charging
13-14.5 volts No amps OFF OK -Charging stopped. Battery at or
near full charge
11.5-14.5 volts No amps OFF Night OK