Will a 24 V Solar Controller work on a 12 V ssytem

[symbiosis]

What it says in the subject basically.

I was sent a 24 volt controller in error and (without realising it was 24 volt) I connected it up to my 12v system. The unit would power on briefly and then immediately turn off so I wondered if it should work on a 12 volt system or if its actually defective

Thanks

[SunEagle]

Please provide the make and model number of the charge controller. If it is a cheap PWM type charger you may be out of luck.

Most MPPT types will work on both a 12 or 24 volt battery system but require you to make a selection of some kind. The better models will detect the battery voltage and work accordingly.

[symbiosis]

Thanks, its this one: http://www.mppsolar.com/Photovoltaics/MPPT%20SCC-4.pdf the PCM-3024

It makes no mention of 12v

[SunEagle]

Thanks, its this one: http://www.mppsolar.com/Photovoltaics/MPPT%20SCC-4.pdf the PCM-3024

It makes no mention of 12v

That pamphlet shows two different model numbers. One PCM-3012 for 12 volt and the other PCM-3024 for 24 volt which makes me believe that they will only do one or the other voltage but not both.

Elsewhere on that pamphlet they give two different model numbers PCM-2012 for 12 volts and PCM2024 for 24 volts. Either someone did a really poor job creating that document or the equipment is garbage.

I would say your 24 volt model is only good for 24 volt battery system. Try to get a refund and go get yourself a quality charge controller made by Morningstar

[symbiosis]

Thanks, that's what I thought, they've sent me the wrong one for my system. Its good to get confirmation