solar works, generator doesn't

[Sherm2954]

Thanks in advance for any advice!

I have a Yamaha inverter generator that I have used in the past to charge my batteries and power my interior outlets. Yesterday I had the solar panel out and was charging, but because of cloud cover I chose to run the generator. I started the generator and found that it wasn't providing any power to the batteries. When I unplugged the solar, the generator power started charging the batteries. At some point I turned on the invertor and later noticed that I was no longer getting a charge from the generator.

Fast forward to this morning.
Started the generator - no charge. Shut it off and opened the main compartment under the bed (in my 17B). I found that a wire from the solar controller was very loose (possibly already disconnected - it fell apart when I touched it). I fixed that but still no charge from the generator. Solar panel is out and working.

I've checked the breaker on the generator as well as the electrical breakers and fuses in the Escape panel. Nothing visibly amiss.

Help?
Thanks

[dinnyberry]

Is the battery Ok? Do the cells need water?

[sclifrickson]

It doesn’t sound like this is a factor, but do you have the factory EMS surge protector? (Are you using a grounding plug?) Also, how are you monitoring charging to determine that amps are going into your batteries? Also, is your solar factory installed and wired direct to the batter(ies)?

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

It doesn’t sound like this is a factor, but do you have the factory EMS surge protector? (Are you using a grounding plug?) Also, how are you monitoring charging to determine that amps are going into your batteries? Also, is your solar factory installed and wired direct to the batter(ies)?

Not certain about the EMS surge protector....this is a 2011 model that I bought used.

Not using a grounding plug and was able to charge batteries before.

Monitoring charge through the battery monitor (BM-1 model) that shows the charge current battery charge, amperage charge/discharge, % charge, and estimated hours to full charge or discharge. This system shows the charge from any external power supply.

Solar is not factory - it's a 110 panel on a long cable that plugs into the rear of the trailer and is wired to a solar charge controller. Right now I"m running my inverter and still charging the batteries with solar at 3.2 amps

Thanks

[sclifrickson]

How is the solar charge controller wired into the system? Direct to batteries, or otherwise?

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

How is the solar charge controller wired into the system? Direct to batteries, or otherwise?

i believe it's wired direct to the batteries. It has an inline fuse that I checked and found to be in good condition

[sclifrickson]

Have the solar and generator systems both worked simultaneously in the past, and is what you’re seeing new behavior, or have you changed things in some way?

[padlin]

A few things. Do you have a multimeter?

Check all battery connections for being corroded or loose, be careful, they are live.

Disconnect the solar and generator, give it an hour then what's the voltage across the batteries with the multimeter, or what does the BM-1 display?

connect the solar, again what do you get via the MM or the BM-1?

Cover or disconnect the solar, give it a few min then fire up and connect the gen, what do you see?

leave the genny running and uncover or connect the solar, now what do you see?

Shutdown the genny, you should see the solar only, what's the reading? now restart and connect the genny, what's the display now?

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

Have the solar and generator systems both worked simultaneously in the past, and is what you’re seeing new behavior, or have you changed things in some way?

i don't recall using both at the same time in the past. it's been an either/or kind of thing.

the change is that now there is no charge coming into the system from the generator.

however, i just went out with a computer and plugged it directly into the outlet on the generator and it's producing an inverter charge. Then i plugged the power cord for the trailer into the generator 30 amp and plugged that into the trailer while the solar was connected. once i unplugged the solar, the generator began charging the batteries....

so problem solved, except that I don't know how or why....maybe the solar charger has a transfer switch? i'll have to disassemble the bed once i'm in warmer area and check out the whole system to see if I can figure it out.....
thanks much

[Sherm2954]

Originally Posted by padlin

A few things. Do you have a multimeter?

Check all battery connections for being corroded or loose, be careful, they are live.

Disconnect the solar and generator, give it an hour then what's the voltage across the batteries with the multimeter, or what does the BM-1 display?

connect the solar, again what do you get via the MM or the BM-1?

Cover or disconnect the solar, give it a few min then fire up and connect the gen, what do you see?

leave the genny running and uncover or connect the solar, now what do you see?

Shutdown the genny, you should see the solar only, what's the reading? now restart and connect the genny, what's the display now?

no multi meter.
before I saw this reply i had shut off the generator (it worked and I ran it for a couple hours) and disconnected the gen. plugged in the solar and nothing.....and it's a bright sunny day.

so i've shut off the battery power (shut off switch in the trailer.) I'll give it 15 minutes or so and then start reconnecting and see what happens.
I'll keep you posted.
thanks

[bonitaraders]

I can't get my invertor to come on either.. It shows it is on but never makes that click noise! What do I need to check? I've flipped the breakers, turned everything off and the on again.. Is there a fuse for the inverter I need to check?

[Donna D.]

Check to see if the GFI has tripped.

[padlin]

What do you mean by " It shows it is on"? What do you have for a trailer? looks like a 16' Casita.

[bonitaraders]

I have a 21 foot Escape I picked up in July of this year in Canada..

[bonitaraders]

The symbol comes on but I can't run anything off my invertor.. It usually makes a click and I know it is on but it hasn't done that..

[bonitaraders]

Where is the GFI?

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by bonitaraders

Where is the GFI?

There's two in my trailer. One is the plug under the kitchen counter. The other is outside, passenger side between the wheel well and the back of the trailer.

[bonitaraders]

Thank u!!!