An error on your Solar Charge controller indicates a problem. Here’s a reference list so you can identify what the problem is and what steps are needed. Some errors can be resolved on your own with some light troubleshooting so you can get your solar Charge controller back in working order again.
Note: The provided information refers to most zhcsolar pwm solar charge controller. The available settings and options may differ for another mppt controllers.
Some models of solar charge controller don’t have a digital display, so when it’s time to display an error code they will use blinking led instead. The combination of blinking led determines what the code is. However, since leds may blink as part of regular use, you should really only consider this an error code if the charge controller isn’t working normally. Resolving the error code typically involves a slight correction, such as adjusting the charge voltage of your charge controller or making sure that the controller is installed properly.
Detailed error codes can be read with:
Controller Screen, Remote panel, LED Indicator, app.
The error code list applies to these products:
Most ZHCSolar PWM Charge Controllers
Solar Charge Controller Error Codes List
Models: WP5048D 48V 36V Solar Charge Controller for Lifepo4 Battery
Fault Code Basics
- E01 — Battery Low Voltage or Load off
- E02 — DC load overload or Load off
- E03 — Load short circuit or Load off
- E04 — Battery Over voltage or Load off
- E05 — Solar Panel Over Current, Controller stop working
E01 Error Code
the E01 error code appears when Battery Bank is in Low Voltage and the charge controller cannot charge it. Charge the battery bank via AC chargers first or change a new battery.
E02 Error Code
The E02 error code appears when the DC Load is overload and stop running. decrease the load voltage and wait for seconds the load will relive.
E03 Error Code
The E03 error code appears when the DC Loads is short circuit. Remove the Loads first and replug, wait for seconds the load will relive.
E04 Error Code
The E04 error Code appears when the Battery is over voltage, when the battery cannot bear with the heavy input voltage, it may stop working or destroyed, first check the wiring, make sure is not caused by incorrect connection, then check the battery capacity, if the battery capacity is too small for current system, change a new battery. the third reason is it may connect with another Charger, if does, remove another charger. and reset the solar charge controller to back to work.
E05 Error Code
The E04 error Code appears when the Solar Panel is Overcurrent, overcurrent means the PV send over current to the charge controller and make it stop working, to solve it please make sure the solar panel hooked doesn’t over the rated range. remove some panels and the charge controller can start working again.
the solar charge controller will display an error code when there is a problem. The error codes are not always the same. For instance, the controller may display an error code when the solar power it is receiving is insufficient to start charging the batteries. This is usually the case when the battery bank is partially discharged. To reset the controller, you will need to reconnect all of its wires and make sure it isn’t bypassed.
A few causes of this error code include reverse polarity, obstructions near the heatsink, or a defective charger. The first is likely the most obvious — the charge controller itself is faulty. If this error is the cause, you need to contact a solar charging company or a battery charger repair company. If your solar charge controller isn’t functioning, check the fix guide here.
Another common cause is a problem with the PV array. The error message will tell you to disconnect the panels and reconnect them to start the charging process again. If the error message remains, you may need to reconnect the batteries manually. However, if this is not possible, the controller may be faulty. In this case, you should disconnect all power sources from the charger, wait three minutes, and then power it up again. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the solar charge controller.
Originally published at https://zhcsolar.com on April 24, 2022.
