Why is my BCDC not charging from the solar input?

This information is applicable to the following BCDC Chargers:

• BCDC Classic Under Bonnet 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDC1225D) 
• BCDC Classic Under Bonnet 40A DC Battery Charger (BCDC1240D) 
• BCDC Classic Under Bonnet 50A DC Battery Charger (BCDC1250D) 
• BCDC Core In-Cabin 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDCN1225) 
• BCDC Core In-Cabin 25A DC Battery Charger (BCDCN1240) 
• BCDC Trailer S – 12A Vehicle to Trailer Charger with Solar (BCDC1212S) 

HOW WILL THIS APPEAR?

If the BCDC has solar connected and doesn’t appear to be charging, the BCDC will indicate like it’s in standby mode indicated by flashing profile light. 

WILL THE BCDC STILL CHARGE MY BATTERY IN THIS CONDITION?

Providing the vehicle input to the BCDC is adequate, it will charge when connected to a running vehicle. While there is an issue with the solar input, the BCDC will cease charging once the vehicle is turned off.  

WHAT CAN CAUSE THIS FAULT?

When the solar input wire (Yellow) is compromised from either of the following: 

• Undersized cable 
• Poor connections - such as loose or damaged terminal/connections  
• Faulty fuse protection 
• Solar panel has a damaged cell or is faulty 
• Solar panel is in low light/poor conditions - for example poor angle to the sun or overcast weather

WHAT IS THE SOLAR INPUT VOLTAGE RANGE?

The solar input range for BCDC Classic and Core chargers is 9-32V. 

WHY DOES IT DISPLAY A FAULT CODE?

There could be an issue with the power supply such as: 

• Input voltage present but outside the turn on threshold 
• Poor ground (earth) but not severe enough to trigger a fault code

HOW TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF NOT CHARGING FROM SOLAR?

To determine the cause of why the BCDC is not charging from the solar input, it will require diagnostic testing. REDARC recommends seeking the support of an installer where possible, however please see below a list of the common causes and repairs. 

A) SOLAR PANEL IN LOW LIGHT

No action required, will start charging when solar panel is exposed to increased light (Improved angle to the sun and sun exposure). 

B) LOOSE CONNECTION FROM SOLAR

1. Ensure connection points are clean, not damaged or loose. 
2. Remove solar connector and ensure good terminal contact is present (tight connection). 
3. Ensure each crimp connection is strong, a small tug on each wire can confirm this.
4. Inspect the ground wire (-) to ensure it has a suitable ground connection, such as a terminal attached to bare metal (unpainted surface).
5. Check if the solar panel performing correctly – Testing Solar Panels and Blankets.

C) POOR SOLAR GROUNDING

In some applications, the auxiliary battery may not have a wired ground from the battery negative terminal to the chassis and or body. 

Things to check: 

1. Using a multimeter, measure voltage between solar panel negative wire and auxiliary battery negative terminal. If greater than 0.5V is measured, excessive voltage is present.
2. As a quick test, using a jumper lead connect the auxiliary battery negative terminal to the solar negative wire and recheck operation. 
3. If the BCDC started charging once the jumper lead was connected in step 2, either rewire the solar negative cable to the auxiliary battery negative terminal or run another wire from the auxiliary battery terminal to the solar grounding point. 
4. Re-check operation.

Below images shows a typical BCDC install. Each diagram also shows the typical connection points for an installation.