If a BCDC Classic or Core charger shows a flashing profile light and doesn’t charge from solar, it’s in standby mode due to a solar input issue. The unit will still charge from vehicle input when running, but stops once the vehicle is off.
Causes include undersized cables, poor or loose connections, faulty fuses, damaged panels, or low light conditions. With a solar input range of 9–32V, issues like low voltage or poor grounding may not trigger a fault code.
Troubleshooting involves checking solar exposure, tightening connections, ensuring proper grounding, and testing panel performance.
REDARC recommends seeking the support of a qualified auto electrician or technician.
Important
For your safety, REDARC recommends installation by a qualified auto electrician or technician. Our trusted REDNetwork is made up of professional auto electrical businesses certified by REDARC to install the complete of REDARC solutions. Find Your Local Installer
This information applies to the following products:
- 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 a BCDC not charging from solar?
Below is a list of the common causes and repairs.
Important
In this article we explain the need for testing to determine the cause of the issue. Testing may involve changes to the installation or wiring. For your safety and accuracy, REDARC recommends engaging a REDNetwork member or a suitably qualified auto electrician - Find Your Local Installer
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
- Ensure connection points are clean, not damaged or loose.
- Remove solar connector and ensure good terminal contact is present (tight connection).
- Ensure each crimp connection is strong, a small tug on each wire can confirm this.
- Inspect the ground wire (-) to ensure it has a suitable ground connection, such as a terminal attached to bare metal (unpainted surface).
- Check if the solar panel performing correctly using our solar testing procedure.
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:
- 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.
- As a quick test, using a jumper lead connect the auxiliary battery negative terminal to the solar negative wire and recheck operation.
- 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.
- Re-check operation.
Below images shows a typical BCDC install. Each diagram also shows the typical connection points for an installation.
