Sir kindly help I bought the solar generator 12v 1000watts which has 40A control I was to maximum solar panel is 560watts. My question is can solar panel 575watts work too on the same solar generator?
Great information. I have a Li Time 60A charge controller . I am using 4 100w panels. I am planning to add 2 more panels. Total 600 w. Equal 42A. Easy to understand now. Thank you very much.
I have the book. I’m working on adding. 200- 400 portable folding panels that I can carry in a motorhome. It has a 100 W panel and a 10AMp. Kisae charge controller. I want to set up a separate portable panel and controller to pull out when needed but not. Placement of these close to the 4 6Volt batteries is key. My 100w OEM panel on roof does not top off batteries well. So I’m just trying to top off faster. I will follow your book.
Just ordered your book. I have a Grand Design fifth wheel that has a factory installed Furrion 370w solar panel. A Furrion MPPT 60 amp solar charger. PD-9260 Lead acid converter. I installed an Epoch 12v 300ah lithium battery. With the battery swap I also added a blue sea terminal fuse block and 200 amp fuse. I plan to upgrade that to a 300 amp fuse when I complete future mods. My plan is to swap the Furrion Solar charger controller with a Victron 100/50 solar charge controller, probably this weekend. I’m also going to swap the Progressive dynamics converter to a PD-9360 lifepo lithium converter. I’ve purchased both of those items already. I’m also going to wire in a solar disconnect between the panel and MPPT. In the future I’m going to add the Progressive Dynamic inverter with transfer switch wired up to my pre-installed invert prep sub panel and 10 gauge romex. Additionally I’m will install a battery disconnect between the positive terminal and inverter using 2/0 gauge battery cables. I already have the inverter on hand as well. Just need to order the battery cables. I’ve been studying for months trying to utilize more RV specific items rather than full on Victron everything since I’m trying to retain the functions of each component rather than just the wholesale swap over and re-routing of shore power lines, which would in essence then bypass the 12v supply from the installed converter. Plus if I ever wanted to go back to stock I could then retain all my upgraded complements for a new camper in the future.
Make sure you get the bluesea systems battery disconnect, it has lower internal resistance. I recommend using windynation welding cables + quality lugs. Thanks for getting the book!
I have multiple PV arrays around the house, garage, and at my business, 12V and 24V systems. I usually use the 30A Eco-Worthy charge controllers rated for 750W. The max output of the smaller PVs is 41.666A but the charge controller never gets anywhere close to that. The most I have ever seen is about 21A and that does not last long. I also have a 2250W 24V array (3 sets of 3 in parallel with separate feed wires) on 8- 12V lead-acid batteries. I use 3- 30A charge controllers in parallel. The highest amperage I have seen is about 6A from each charge controller. The only loads that I have is an alarm system, a 16 Camera DVR, and a few LED light Bulbs. This load does not even scratch the batteries.
This is the 3rd or 4th video from your channel I’ve watched as I just recently found it and subscribed I paused the video long enough to go to Amazon to order the book Your videos are excellent!
Thanks for your very informative videos! Currently running a 24V system, with a hybrid inverter. Battery is a 8-cell 280AH LiFePo pack. BMS is a JK Inverter BMS. Hybrid inverter able to do 60A charging. 800W of solar, will be upgraded to 2,4KW in a few days. Energy use model for inverter is set up to prioritize load (household), battery (charging) - and last resort is power from utility. Charging is set up for solar and utility - solar as pri.
I have 6 BougeRV 200W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panel + 2 100W HarborFreight panels I wired everything in series to charge a Bluetti AC300 + 1 extra battery I get 1.0kW on a nice sunny day but eventually I want to setup something with a charge controller to power other things and was wondering what's the right side charge controller to get. great videos thank you.
Hello! Thank you for the video! It was quite helpful but I was wondering if you could offer some advice with a new solar setup. Another person was working on this project for a non-profit but they couldn't finish the work so I'm stepping in to help out. They ordered three 350W (40.7 VOC) solar panels to run on a 100W/20A charge controller with a 12V battery. Based on your video, the charge controller would be highly inefficient. What size charge controller would you recommend for these panels?
350W*3panels=1050W/14.4V=73A charge controller. You can still use the 20A charge controller, but you can only get 20A out of it. You can get two more of these charge controllers and have three of them in parallel. However, that is not the best solution. You need a 150V input and 70A charge current charge controller. Victron has one.
Thank You for the instructional videos I have 2 230AH battery's collected in parallel so 460AH of battery With A Victron 150/70 Charge controller use A 90Amp breaker and 4 Ga Wire on controller? and 5 100watt Panels connected in series? Does this seem right?
great info! i have a 330 watt solar panel and a 12v 190Ah solar battery. i plan to use about 80 watts for about 12 hours each night, my peak sun hours is about 5 to 6 where i live, would this work? or would i need to change something so that i can have it last me the 12 hours i need. thank you so much i am learning alot!
80W*12h=960Wh per day. 330W*5sunhours=1650Wh harvest per day. 12V*190Ah=2280Wh of battery storage (lifepo4). If you are off grid you should have 3 days of autonomy. So 960Wh*3=2880Wh -> battery ok, but you need more solar panels. To recharge 2280Wh with 5 sunhours, you need: 2280Wh/5h=460W of solar panels. (calculation without efficiency losses).
I have just bought a 100v/30a Victron controller to replace the PWM. I have 2x 12v lead batteries and only 1x 150w panel. My idea was to extend my 1 panel to 4 panels and add another 2x 12v batteries. Would this be ok for this size charger?
Thank you, Sir. In this example, if I was to use two batteries would each battery use a F4 fuse, switch, then bus bar and a larger F5 fuse at the power out of the charge controller? What keeps the two batteries from drawing more amps than the controller can put out? Or does the controller clamp the output amps to only 50a regardless of how many batteries are hooked up in parallel? Thank you, Nick, or anyone who can explain or answer this question.
I recommend fusing each parallel battery. So yes, you need two fuses for the batteries. I recommend using the MEGA fuse busbar with integrated fuse from victron. You can see it in my most recent videos. Checkout my video about parallel batteries with different capacities as well. The output of the charge controller is capped at the rated current.
Very clear explication voor people in the USA and while it is just as interesting for the rest of the world would like to ask you to consider to make it easier for global use: most people in the world use global standard unit which is for (copper) wire crossection square millimeters, could you please in cable sizing table add the cross section in mm2 ? Thanks, Wessel
Great video can i ask for some advice i have a 1000 watt inverter a 10 amp charge controller with one 110 watt solar panel on a 12v system on my RV i would like to up size to two 200 watt panels upgrade to lithium battery and 100/30 charge controller what do you think would be best thankyou
Keep the existing 110W solar panel on the 10A charge controller. Add the two 200W solar panels in series with the new charge controller. Two charge controllers on one battery is ok. 400W/14.6V=27.4A -> 30A is ok.
Hi Nick, I want to build a system that I can add panels to at a later time. Right now I have two 100W panels, a 12V/100A lithium battery and a 1000W inverter. Your formula for choosing the right charge controller is easy to understand, however, I want to add four more 100W panels to my system in the future (600w total). Can I use a charge controller sized for six panels (100W/50A plus the appropriate wires/fuses) for my two panel system mentioned above? Or will it create problems? In other words, can I use fewer panels for a six panel system?
On my solar panels on my house I have MPPT chargers, but I have more panels in watts than the inverter rates by at least 10% and has worked fine with overpower without any issues. Is that not also possible to run the regulator at max for a long time ?
Hi Nick, Thanks for another really helpful video. I also have a challenge sizing my MPPT: My daily energy need is 3500Wh. I plan a 48V system with 2x Li batteries (48V, 100Ah each) in parallel. In order to charge them, I am planning to install at least 5x 400W panels in series. IMP is about 11A, so no problem. But the total VMP is 180.5V. So, I would need a really expensive MPPT 250/60. Other options I thought about is to use two smaller MPPTs in parallel (each controlling 3 panels) and then feeding into the battery. Or using a hybrid Inverter/Charger device which includes the MPPT like the yellow EG4 3kW 48V product that you used in your "6. Medium Hybrid Off-Grid Inverter" diagram on your webpage. What would you recommend? Thanks, Manfred
Depends how dependably you want it to be. If you are on a boat and rely on your power, then i recommend using the two MPPTs in parallel. If you use the EG4 hybrid inverter than you need to add 720Wh of daily energy consumption to it because if it's idle power consumption. The EG4 will require less wiring as well. If you like the EG4 and it meets your requirement than you can go with that one. But if you want to expand your system later and upgrade, then using standalone components is the way to go. You can also wire in 2S2P. Which means two solar panels in series and then paralleled, so you don't go over the max input voltage of the MPPT.
@@cleversolarpower Thanks for your insight. The solar installation is for a tiny house and I quite like the idea of the hybrid inverter. Unfortunately, the EG4 is not available in Europe. I did some research and found the LuxPower SNA 3000. The specs look incredibly similar at a surprisingly good price. And the LuxPower has two MPPTs integrated (each accepting up to 385V) ! Do you have any experience or opinion about the LuxPower SNA 3000? Thanks you.
I just purchased your book using your link you provide. I have a question. I have already bought one Victron MPPT that was to small for my solar panels and other items as well. I now have the Victron 150/70 TR and 8 100 watt Renogy solar panels. I have one 12 volt 100ah Li Time battery lifepo4 and I have ordered another one. For my Group 24 Li Time 12 volt 100aH battery it is recommended to charge it at 20 amps but the manual state it can be charged at 50 amps in two hours to a 97% charge. What I have learned is at 35 amps, as was my last Victron 150/35 that I was only using the power from 4 of my 8 solar panels. My question is with my two Li Time 100aH batteries connected in parallel do I have to stay with the recommended 20aH charge rate or can I double the charge rate to 40aH? What I want to do is charge at 70 amps which would be 35 amps times 2. This would get the most use out of my panels but I do not want to harm the batteries. I have a 5100 BTU air conditioner I run and with the 150/70 Victron maxed out in charging it will top out at about 625 watts incoming solar. That will power the AC for the most part. If I turn it down to 35 amp charging then it uses about 450 watts solar but takes out about 50 watts from my battery. These are just average numbers as it depends on shading by clouds and such. Thank you for any help you may provide.
A 12V 100Ah litime battery can be charged and discharged at a 100A current. If you placed them in parallel, you can charge and discharge at a max of 200A. So you still have plenty of space.
@@cleversolarpower Thank you. I trust your what you say and that was what I needed to know. I may need more advice in the future but I will most likely find what I need in your book. I do appreciate your help.
.. I live remote a several years. I inherited a simple solar system built by someone who was not very familiar with the components. Four Eco-Worhy 120W, Voc 22.8V, Isc 7.75A, Vm 19.3V, Im 6.31A, solar panels on a wooden frame. Soon a big wind blew them all off the frame, breaking wires and loosening connections. The panels seemed to have been wired in parallel, so I rewired the panels the same and with leftover 12V truck wires and simple tools. Still, with improper wires and duct tape, they charged the three lead-acid deep cycle batteries (that had sat outside thru 2 sub-0F winters and plus 120F summers) for four more years. .. Recently the old, mistreated lead-acid batteries presented charging problems, and the solar charge controller fried. .. I am rebuilding the system. .. .. I have four solar panels - EcoWorhy 120W - (Voc 22.8V, Isc 7.75A, Vm 19.3V, Im 6.31A) .. I have a Solar Charge Controller - no shade problem - PMW MorningStar PS-30M - (battery voltage 12/24, Max PV Open Circuit Voltage 30/60Voc, Max Input Current 30A, Rated Load current 30A). .. I have two new batteries - LiPro 12V 200Ah. .. I have an inverter - a SL Euthtion 5000W - (dc input operating voltage 12V, 10V to15, max PV Open Circuit Voltage 30V to 60V, max battery charging current 30A, Rated Load Current 30A) .. This is what I have with which to reestablish electrical power in our remote cabin home. .. After watching some of your videos, I see that the components of the system are not ideally matched. Yet, I believe they can go together and make us power from our abundant sunshine. .. Should I put these panels in sets of two, with two panels in parallel, then the two sets of parallels in series? .. Should I put the two 12V 200Ah batteries in parallel as 24V ...or in series as 12V?
Do you need that big of an inverter? 5000W is too much for a 12V system. i recommend getting a 48V instead using 48V batteries. A lot depends on the load you want to run. Checkout my video about a load analysis. Your inverter is an all in one system with a PWM. Not ideal.
I bought a Victron 100V 30A charge controller for my 2x 200 watts solar panels. 400watts / 14.4= 27.7 amps ok for my victron 100 v 30 amps. I use it to charge my Bluetti Ac 180
Very good and informative video thank you very much What if I’m using more than one battery I’m I going to add up the charging voltages or just the charging voltage for one battery
Hello, I'm building a portable 24volt system with 2 small sized 12 volt 100amp Lifepo4 batteries. I have one 200 watts pannel and I ordered the 100/20 and think I would be able to upgrade the solar an other 380 watts. it this correct? I also have a 24 volt 3000 watts inverterI and converted 24v to 12v I'm open to recommendations.
Can 12v and 48v batteries be used on the same charge controller? On the same circuit going to the same inverter? I bought your book based on this video. Thank you. I have been able to do some calculations i didn’t understand before. 12kw 48v inverter, 4100w solar panels 10 ct, 250/100 charge controller, 6 200 ah 12v batteries, lots of florida sun. Panels are 410 output and 46v VOC.
thank you, so i have two 200w 24v solar connected in parallel and one 24v battery, so according to the above, i would need a 20amp controller, is that correct ?
Hi Nick! Love your videos and just got your book. I am building a 48v system for off grid storage container. I have 100Ah 48v (Li Time). I was hoping to use a 100/20 MPPT Victron I was given to charge it with. I don’t have any panels yet. I get the input voltage limit of CC but can I exceed CC 20 amp charge spec by adding parallel strings?
Thanks for this lecture, i bought your e-book two days ago, when i was reading through it, i discovered that, in sizing of charge controller for 12V system, you used 12V to divide the Pmax of PV array but in this lecture you are using charging voltage of 14.4V to divide. Any explanation on this
Indeed, I have it different in the book to simplify it. 14.4V is the charging voltage of a lithium battery. So it's a little more accurate. Wouldn't hurt to have 15-20% more, it increases the lifespan of the charge controller. 100W of solar power / 14.4V = 7A
If I want to go from a 12V to a 24V battery storage to have a lower A on my ChargeController..can I put two 12V Batteries in Series like I do with Solar panel to +(add) the voltage? Or do I need to buy a 24V battery?
You can series connect batteries. But you need to check the voltage when fully charged, over time they can become unbalanced. Meaning one battery can show 13.2 and the other 13.3V. so you have to place a balancer in between. Ideally use a 24V battery, but no requirement.
I’m currently sizing my 24volt rv solar setup. I’m planning on installing 1250 or maybe 1500watts of solar (5x250 or 6x250). If I’ve do the math correctly I’m going to go with a 150/70 charge controller to cover either setup. The charger’s maxPV is 150 and the panels VOC is 22.8. I could go with 150/60 controller however it would not allow for any expansion to 1500 watts. Your thoughts please.
Yes, MPPT is the best option. Try to wire in series if you don't have shade. Also do not go over the max input voltage. So you probably have to wire in 3S2P (3 in series and then parallel with another 3). 6*210W=1260W/28.8V=44A.
I ordered 4 x 200ah lifpo4 batteries and a 12v 3000w pure sine inverter accompanied by 10 x 100w solar panels. I haven’t ordered the charge controller yet but I’m thinking a 100a mppt should do the trick. I don’t know much about 24v systems but maybe I should swap the 12v inverter for a 24v ?
Hi, I am setting up 6 x 180W panels on 12V - battery bank I am looking into is 4 x 120Ah LiFePo4 in parallel. My panels pump 45V Voc at 5A per panel. Is a 250/100 mppt too big?
Just replace the values of your panels with the one in the video and you will see. Having that amount of solar i recommend having a 24V or even 48V system. Charge controller will be cheaper. Checkout my video: '12V,24V, or 48V battery systems'.
Hi dear I have a powmr mppt solar charge controller having capacity 60amp and 160v DC . Can I connect three solar panels of 585w with it for 12v. but manufacturer recommendations is 720w for 12 v and 1444w w for 24v and 2800w for 48v.
Pls for that example you give, can 60ahm controller also work perfectly on 600w panel and 12v 200ahm battery and 3000w inverter... without any issues? 🙏
Hi Nick, just want to confirm that it is the total watts of panel in an ARRAY? or total watts of all panels put together.. My setup is 620w x4 (2 panel in series) giving total of 2480w. so do i take 2480w or do i take an array size which is 1240w. Battary: 12v 200ah (x2) = 24v@200ah ive taken the ARRAY value rather than total, does that measure up what you have got in this video = 60A charge controller
The total amount of power connected to the charge controller. If you have 4 100W panels connected to the charge controller then you need to calculate with 400W.
@@cleversolarpower therefore in my case 2480(total watts)/24 (battary (2*12v 200ah lithium iron prosphate)) = 103.33 therefore will i be okay with 100 amp charge controller do as i need to respect the c rate?
Hello Nick, may i ask a question please.: I have a solar controller that came with a recent caravan i bought. Regarding the controller ... with the solar panels disconnected from controller and the battery side connected it has 2.1 volts coming out of the solar input terminals. Shouldn't this read zero? I don't think there should be any back feed voltage present at those terminals. Also do you have a video explaining the reason for having the load terminals of a controller? I thought that if your loads are connected to the battery, you don't need those terminals. Ok thank you and luv your channel and your work. I am learning so much from you :)
Yes, this should read 0V. However, 2V is not dangerous. I don't use the load output because it can only support small loads. It does cutoff the discharging when the battery reaches a certain voltage. It acts like a low voltage disconnect. But now with lithium, we don't need that anymore because the BMS will do that.
Victron 75 / 15 - 2 - 100w (19v x 5.6a) panels in series, and 2 series strings in parallel. Moving up to 3 panels for 66v in series. And 3 series in parallel for 300W at 15 A.
Hi, can you pls tell me some info? Since we will be charging the 51.2V 230ah 11.7KWh Wall&Floor-mounted LiFePO4 Battery (link bellow) with 3 x 480W solar panels ( Vmp = 37.10, lmp = 12.95A ), we would like to have information on which Victron MPPT controller is suitable so that the battery will be charged properly (Operatin value charge of the battery is 43V - 58V). Does the Victron 150/35 match the charging voltage? Which fuse must I get? Can such a battery be simultaneously charged from the panels and at the same time transmit energy to other consumers?
I need to know your Voc, i will take a guess and assume it's 45V. 45Voc*3panels in series*1.25=168V -> you can only use 2 panels in series. 480W*3panels=1440W/57.6V=25A. You can get another panel and wire the panels in a 2S2P configuration. 1920W/57.6V=33.3A Then you can get the victron 150/35A
Very interesting! We have a boat a 550Watt solar panel, but a solar charge controller of 30A. There are both, a 12V and a 24V system on the boat. So now I guess I need to find out what the voltage from controller to batteries is, right?
@@cleversolarpower So it’s a 12V system which means our solar charge controller is too small for the panel - but what are the chances that the panel ever reaches its maximum capacity in cloudy England? …
@@cleversolarpower Now I have a new issue: When checking the voltage that comes out of our solar charge controller it shows between 16 and 17 V - but it should only be around 13 for a 12 V system or not? The solar charge controller is supposed to set itself automatically between 12V and 24V. What could be the reason for this?
Hello. Thank you verry much. It's really helpfull! Is it possible to use victron mppt as a booster. For exemple i have a ebike with a batterie 48v. 25 amp. And a solar panel 100w 12 v ? I want to charge my bike while riding... let's say with a smal victron mppt. Have a nice day!
I'm not sure what you mean by booster. The input of the mppt needs to be 5V higher than that of the battery. You can use a step up DC to DC converter and then feed it into the mppt.
Pls help with the calculations. I have a 12v / 240ah tubular battery and three pieces of 45v / 420watts sollar panel. What could be the size of MPPT charge controller, wire size and a fuse?
Do you have to consider output power? IE you have a 100w panel charging a small battery, and once or twice a day you have a highish amp draw pulling power for 5 minutes and then shutting off - do you have to size your controller to allow for that draw as well? Or for something high draw you just connect it directly to the battery?
The charging and discharging are completely separate. You must wire your loads directly from the battery or busbar. A charge controller doesn't have an influence on the load.
I was wondering if you can help me understand why my victron mppt 250/100 charge controller is running very hot and only putting out 1380watts even though it's connected to a 3300watt solar arrey in parallel. Thank you
I assume you are running a 48V system. 3300W*0.8=2640W (realistic power production at noon with sun) 2640W/57.6V=48.8A. Have you cleaned your panels recently? Can you measure the input voltage? Send me an email with your test findings, i don't see replies.
If I have 5 250 amp hour batteries agm. And I have two 400 amp portable folding solar panels systems . And I can connect all the batteries with a switch. Would you use a 70 amp charger . It’s a lot of amp hours . My charger on shore power will hit them with 130 amps for one hour if they’re around 50 percent . It’s an old heart interface inverter charger.
400W/12V=33A. You will need a 30A MPPT or larger. Recommend charging rate of each battery is 250Ah*0.2C=50A. So in total you should have a max charger of 5*50A=250A. So a 70A charger is suited.
Sir, This SCC formula = "solar panel power÷battery charging voltage" , how can you apply it to strings of battery ? Like for instance, if I have 2# of 12volts battery in parallel and we have an 800watts panel. What will be the size of the SCC to match up ?
Hi, a bit of confusion regarding the figures. If I have 2 x 130w panels and I have a 24v battery setup with a 12/24 charge controller, does that mean that I divide 230w / 28.8 to get 7.98amps, so I need a 10amp charge controller? As the panels don't come in 12/24 version, how does the system know?
260W/28.8=9A -> 10A charge controller. The charge controller sees the battery voltage. If the voltage on it's terminals is closer to 12V, then it detects a 12V battery. If it's closer to 24V, then it detects a 24V battery.
Have a 100 volt 20 amp victron have two panels max I've seen be 150 watts 800 watt day to 600 thinking would like to going Bifacial solar panel or panels.... Running life po 4 100 ah 1280 wh batteries... What watts panel should I get...thinking want to go 24 volt and use a 48 volt wind turbine as well...help? Please
So glad I found your channel. I am trying to figure out what i need to set up a solar panel(s) to keep my boat battery charged. Currently running a 36V 60AH LiPo battery for my trolling motor. Trying to figure out what i can use as the boat is on a storage lot so not much room for big solar panels.
Welcome aboard! You need to wire panels in series to go over the minimum recommended input voltage to charge a 36V battery. For example 3x 50W solar panels in series will give you 18Vx3=54V. This is enough to charge the 36V battery with an mppt. 2 18V panels will not be enough.
@@cleversolarpower thank you for the reply. That makes sense sort of lol. Not sure if I will be able to have 350 W panels due to space. What do you think about the MPT boost controllers? Looking at a 100 W 12 V panel with the boost controller to charge, the 36 V battery.
My formula (100V x 0.8)/19.8V = 4.04 Would I be safe for 4 panels on a 100/50 controller? Or should I go bigger on the controller or reduce to 3 panels in series?
Please is it possible to use a 570w single solar panel to a 12v battery ? I have a 40a mppt charge controller I am asking bcos someone told me if I want to use that single 570w panel I need a 24v battery not 12v
Thank you for the video, it was quite informative and engaging. I however have a question, combining the panels in series increases the panel voltage to 48v, which of course can be handled by the MPPT SCC but shouldn't the connected battery be a 48v battery too?
No, the mppt can always step down the voltage. With an mppt, the current automatically increases. A pwm doesn't increase the current, just cuts the voltage. So a 150voc solar panel string can charge a 12V battery.
I have 3 350 watt panels each on its own 30amp mppt going into a 400 amp batt Bank. (2) 200 amp batts wired in parallel. Question How many batts can you have in parallel. The max size bank in all in parallel??
For a parallel connection without a busbar i would say max 5 batteries. If you have more, then i recommend using busbars in order for the current sharing to be optimal. Check my video about current sharing to understand why.
I don't quite understand your question. But you can add up to 60V of solar panels, if the mppt is compatible with a 24V battery and the solar voltage is higher than the battery voltage +5V, then its ok.
I have a 330w 24v solar panel and 30A mppt charge controller rated ( 12v/24v) I want to connect to a 12v battery and a 12v inverter, can this system work properly? Please respond
Hi can you tell me if this set up will work…? I have an EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station which states “Solar Input: 11-50V, 13A, 220W Max” I also have the following solar panel “VTOMAN VS400 Portable Solar Panel 400W 40V, 23% Efficiency Foldable Solar Panel” Question is, will,the two be compatible? The Ecoflow states 220W MAX but according to your calcs (400w / 40v = 10amps ) so (seems ok?) Am I missing something? Not sure why 220W is a max… If not compatible could I use an MPPT controller to lower the panels voltage ? Thanks
Would a 2000 Watt Continuous/4000 Watt Peak Modified Sine Wave Power Inverter, 30amp solar charge controller, with 2 100 watt solar panels be enough to power a 1.5hp pool pump? If not could you PLEASE provide the details on a setup that could handle that?
Most likely not if the pump draws a high startup current. I recommend a low frequency 5kW inverter for that pump. It can run it, but you don't have batteries. You need a 48V system as well.
maybe a silly question.. I have 2 panels of 540 watts each and voc is 50. I have a 100v to 30a charge controller from victron..what combination should use? series or parallel or can i use it at all?
I have 2x 295w panels in series in the area that has full sun on a Victron mppt smart 100/50 and two 330w panels in parallel on the side where there is some tree shading at times, also on Victron mppt smart 100/50. They charge 4 lithium Ion batteries of 24v/100Amp. It basically runs the whole house (but in Spain, so lots of sun hours.
In your calculation of the charge controller capacity you used maximum power at STC of the panel instead of Max input Voltage. I'm confused. Please can you clarify?
Please for give me if im out off track i want to make a very small 24v system with a 60a PWM I would like to find out if it porsable to use a 60amp charge controler to charge two 12v 7amp connected in series
I'm truly enjoying your videos, so informative. I have (6) 450w solar panels, can I run them in series using an MPPT 150/70, a 48v 3000VA Multiplus and a 48v 100Ah LiFe P04 battery?
Are we allowed to put too high of a charge controller? For example if I have 200w solar for 12V batt so we require a 20a charger, can we use a 30a charger in case later we buy more solar panels?
@@cleversolarpower@cleversolarpower Hey how about 170w panel with 1x 110amh agm leisure battery. Is a 40a charge controller too much? The type i would like to buy is only available in 20a and 40a. I want to be able to buy more panels and batteries in future
The Question I have has to do with the Max Power (STC) rating of a Solar Panel... say 200 watts, which is the basis for the calculations. If the panels are mounted 'flat' on the roof of an RV with maximum power generated would be less, correct?
In theory "flat" panel installation would reduce the input power to the Charge controller, lessening the concern if the rating of the controller is "borderline"... Correct? @@cleversolarpower
My book on Amazon: cleversolarpower.com/off-grid-solar-power-simplified
7 Free off-grid solar diagrams: cleversolarpower.com
Sir kindly help I bought the solar generator 12v 1000watts which has 40A control I was to maximum solar panel is 560watts. My question is can solar panel 575watts work too on the same solar generator?
Sir, you do a fine job of clearly explaining solar power. Best I've seen to date. Thank you!
Great information. I have a Li Time 60A charge controller . I am using 4 100w panels. I am planning to add 2 more panels. Total 600 w. Equal 42A. Easy to understand now. Thank you very much.
I have the book. I’m working on adding. 200- 400 portable folding panels that I can carry in a motorhome. It has a 100 W panel and a 10AMp. Kisae charge controller. I want to set up a separate portable panel and controller to pull out when needed but not. Placement of these close to the 4 6Volt batteries is key. My 100w OEM panel on roof does not top off batteries well. So I’m just trying to top off faster. I will follow your book.
Just ordered your book. I have a Grand Design fifth wheel that has a factory installed Furrion 370w solar panel. A Furrion MPPT 60 amp solar charger. PD-9260 Lead acid converter. I installed an Epoch 12v 300ah lithium battery. With the battery swap I also added a blue sea terminal fuse block and 200 amp fuse. I plan to upgrade that to a 300 amp fuse when I complete future mods.
My plan is to swap the Furrion Solar charger controller with a Victron 100/50 solar charge controller, probably this weekend. I’m also going to swap the Progressive dynamics converter to a PD-9360 lifepo lithium converter. I’ve purchased both of those items already. I’m also going to wire in a solar disconnect between the panel and MPPT.
In the future I’m going to add the Progressive Dynamic inverter with transfer switch wired up to my pre-installed invert prep sub panel and 10 gauge romex. Additionally I’m will install a battery disconnect between the positive terminal and inverter using 2/0 gauge battery cables. I already have the inverter on hand as well. Just need to order the battery cables.
I’ve been studying for months trying to utilize more RV specific items rather than full on Victron everything since I’m trying to retain the functions of each component rather than just the wholesale swap over and re-routing of shore power lines, which would in essence then bypass the 12v supply from the installed converter. Plus if I ever wanted to go back to stock I could then retain all my upgraded complements for a new camper in the future.
Make sure you get the bluesea systems battery disconnect, it has lower internal resistance. I recommend using windynation welding cables + quality lugs. Thanks for getting the book!
@@cleversolarpower thank you. Good insight, I did purchase the blue sea 9003e battery disconnect.
I have multiple PV arrays around the house, garage, and at my business, 12V and 24V systems.
I usually use the 30A Eco-Worthy charge controllers rated for 750W.
The max output of the smaller PVs is 41.666A but the charge controller never gets anywhere close to that.
The most I have ever seen is about 21A and that does not last long.
I also have a 2250W 24V array (3 sets of 3 in parallel with separate feed wires) on 8- 12V lead-acid batteries.
I use 3- 30A charge controllers in parallel.
The highest amperage I have seen is about 6A from each charge controller.
The only loads that I have is an alarm system, a 16 Camera DVR, and a few LED light Bulbs.
This load does not even scratch the batteries.
This is the 3rd or 4th video from your channel I’ve watched as I just recently found it and subscribed I paused the video long enough to go to Amazon to order the book Your videos are excellent!
Thank you Richard! If you have questions, feel free to email me.
Thanks for your very informative videos!
Currently running a 24V system, with a hybrid inverter. Battery is a 8-cell 280AH LiFePo pack. BMS is a JK Inverter BMS. Hybrid inverter able to do 60A charging. 800W of solar, will be upgraded to 2,4KW in a few days. Energy use model for inverter is set up to prioritize load (household), battery (charging) - and last resort is power from utility. Charging is set up for solar and utility - solar as pri.
I have a 12 volt inverter but have fitted 3 105 amp hour lithium batteries. What size panels and controller would you recommend?
An excellent informative to the point guild that most people will need. Thanks very much.
Thank you for posting these videos! The last example with the 600W solar panels are exactly what I will install on our camper, exellent information!
Thanks!
I have 6 BougeRV 200W 12V 9BB Mono Solar Panel + 2 100W HarborFreight panels
I wired everything in series to charge a Bluetti AC300 + 1 extra battery I get 1.0kW on a nice sunny day but eventually I want to setup something with a charge controller to power other things and was wondering what's the right side charge controller to get. great videos thank you.
Hello! Thank you for the video! It was quite helpful but I was wondering if you could offer some advice with a new solar setup. Another person was working on this project for a non-profit but they couldn't finish the work so I'm stepping in to help out. They ordered three 350W (40.7 VOC) solar panels to run on a 100W/20A charge controller with a 12V battery. Based on your video, the charge controller would be highly inefficient. What size charge controller would you recommend for these panels?
350W*3panels=1050W/14.4V=73A charge controller. You can still use the 20A charge controller, but you can only get 20A out of it. You can get two more of these charge controllers and have three of them in parallel. However, that is not the best solution. You need a 150V input and 70A charge current charge controller. Victron has one.
Excellent as always. Very good presentation.
Glad you liked it!
hi have a 30a charge control what panel should hi use
Thank you for doing these videos
Thank You for the instructional videos I have 2 230AH battery's collected in parallel so 460AH of battery With A Victron 150/70 Charge controller use A 90Amp breaker and 4 Ga Wire on controller?
and 5 100watt Panels connected in series? Does this seem right?
Seems good to me 👍
great info! i have a 330 watt solar panel and a 12v 190Ah solar battery. i plan to use about 80 watts for about 12 hours each night, my peak sun hours is about 5 to 6 where i live, would this work? or would i need to change something so that i can have it last me the 12 hours i need. thank you so much i am learning alot!
80W*12h=960Wh per day. 330W*5sunhours=1650Wh harvest per day. 12V*190Ah=2280Wh of battery storage (lifepo4). If you are off grid you should have 3 days of autonomy. So 960Wh*3=2880Wh -> battery ok, but you need more solar panels. To recharge 2280Wh with 5 sunhours, you need: 2280Wh/5h=460W of solar panels. (calculation without efficiency losses).
Which regulator would you recommend for the 455 W panel' Thanks
I have just bought a 100v/30a Victron controller to replace the PWM. I have 2x 12v lead batteries and only 1x 150w panel. My idea was to extend my 1 panel to 4 panels and add another 2x 12v batteries. Would this be ok for this size charger?
Thank you, Sir. In this example, if I was to use two batteries would each battery use a F4 fuse, switch, then bus bar and a larger F5 fuse at the power out of the charge controller? What keeps the two batteries from drawing more amps than the controller can put out? Or does the controller clamp the output amps to only 50a regardless of how many batteries are hooked up in parallel?
Thank you, Nick, or anyone who can explain or answer this question.
I recommend fusing each parallel battery. So yes, you need two fuses for the batteries. I recommend using the MEGA fuse busbar with integrated fuse from victron. You can see it in my most recent videos. Checkout my video about parallel batteries with different capacities as well. The output of the charge controller is capped at the rated current.
Very clear explication voor people in the USA and while it is just as interesting for the rest of the world would like to ask you to consider to make it easier for global use: most people in the world use global standard unit which is for (copper) wire crossection square millimeters, could you please in cable sizing table add the cross section in mm2 ? Thanks, Wessel
Many thanks for this very informational video!
Glad you liked it!
Great video can i ask for some advice i have a 1000 watt inverter a 10 amp charge controller with one 110 watt solar panel on a 12v system on my RV i would like to up size to two 200 watt panels upgrade to lithium battery and 100/30 charge controller what do you think would be best thankyou
Keep the existing 110W solar panel on the 10A charge controller. Add the two 200W solar panels in series with the new charge controller. Two charge controllers on one battery is ok. 400W/14.6V=27.4A -> 30A is ok.
Hi Nick, I want to build a system that I can add panels to at a later time. Right now I have two 100W panels, a 12V/100A lithium battery and a 1000W inverter.
Your formula for choosing the right charge controller is easy to understand, however, I want to add four more 100W panels to my system in the future (600w total). Can I use a charge controller sized for six panels (100W/50A plus the appropriate wires/fuses) for my two panel system mentioned above? Or will it create problems? In other words, can I use fewer panels for a six panel system?
You can have multiple charge controllers delivering power to the same battery. Check out my video 'multiple charge controllers'.
What about the difference between series and parallel for sizing your mppt controller?
In series voltage gets added up, so you have to take that into account for the max allowable input voltage.
On my solar panels on my house I have MPPT chargers, but I have more panels in watts than the inverter rates by at least 10% and has worked fine with overpower without any issues. Is that not also possible to run the regulator at max for a long time ?
Yes, you can over-panel your controller. However, it will get hotter and reduce it's lifespan and efficiency.
Hi Nick,
Thanks for another really helpful video. I also have a challenge sizing my MPPT:
My daily energy need is 3500Wh. I plan a 48V system with 2x Li batteries (48V, 100Ah each) in parallel. In order to charge them, I am planning to install at least 5x 400W panels in series. IMP is about 11A, so no problem. But the total VMP is 180.5V.
So, I would need a really expensive MPPT 250/60.
Other options I thought about is to use two smaller MPPTs in parallel (each controlling 3 panels) and then feeding into the battery.
Or using a hybrid Inverter/Charger device which includes the MPPT like the yellow EG4 3kW 48V product that you used in your "6. Medium Hybrid Off-Grid Inverter" diagram on your webpage.
What would you recommend?
Thanks, Manfred
Depends how dependably you want it to be. If you are on a boat and rely on your power, then i recommend using the two MPPTs in parallel. If you use the EG4 hybrid inverter than you need to add 720Wh of daily energy consumption to it because if it's idle power consumption. The EG4 will require less wiring as well. If you like the EG4 and it meets your requirement than you can go with that one. But if you want to expand your system later and upgrade, then using standalone components is the way to go. You can also wire in 2S2P. Which means two solar panels in series and then paralleled, so you don't go over the max input voltage of the MPPT.
@@cleversolarpower Thanks for your insight. The solar installation is for a tiny house and I quite like the idea of the hybrid inverter. Unfortunately, the EG4 is not available in Europe. I did some research and found the LuxPower SNA 3000. The specs look incredibly similar at a surprisingly good price. And the LuxPower has two MPPTs integrated (each accepting up to 385V) !
Do you have any experience or opinion about the LuxPower SNA 3000?
Thanks you.
Please I need an advice I have a solar two panel 190 Watt and one 200 hands battery 30 amp charger controller 6 gauge wire with 1.5 ups
I already have a 40 amps of mppt scc, what, battery I can use and solar panels, thanx
I just purchased your book using your link you provide. I have a question. I have already bought one Victron MPPT that was to small for my solar panels and other items as well. I now have the Victron 150/70 TR and 8 100 watt Renogy solar panels. I have one 12 volt 100ah Li Time battery lifepo4 and I have ordered another one. For my Group 24 Li Time 12 volt 100aH battery it is recommended to charge it at 20 amps but the manual state it can be charged at 50 amps in two hours to a 97% charge. What I have learned is at 35 amps, as was my last Victron 150/35 that I was only using the power from 4 of my 8 solar panels. My question is with my two Li Time 100aH batteries connected in parallel do I have to stay with the recommended 20aH charge rate or can I double the charge rate to 40aH? What I want to do is charge at 70 amps which would be 35 amps times 2. This would get the most use out of my panels but I do not want to harm the batteries. I have a 5100 BTU air conditioner I run and with the 150/70 Victron maxed out in charging it will top out at about 625 watts incoming solar. That will power the AC for the most part. If I turn it down to 35 amp charging then it uses about 450 watts solar but takes out about 50 watts from my battery. These are just average numbers as it depends on shading by clouds and such. Thank you for any help you may provide.
A 12V 100Ah litime battery can be charged and discharged at a 100A current. If you placed them in parallel, you can charge and discharge at a max of 200A. So you still have plenty of space.
@@cleversolarpower Thank you. I trust your what you say and that was what I needed to know. I may need more advice in the future but I will most likely find what I need in your book. I do appreciate your help.
.. I live remote a several years. I inherited a simple solar system built by someone who was not very familiar with the components. Four Eco-Worhy 120W, Voc 22.8V, Isc 7.75A, Vm 19.3V, Im 6.31A, solar panels on a wooden frame. Soon a big wind blew them all off the frame, breaking wires and loosening connections. The panels seemed to have been wired in parallel, so I rewired the panels the same and with leftover 12V truck wires and simple tools. Still, with improper wires and duct tape, they charged the three lead-acid deep cycle batteries (that had sat outside thru 2 sub-0F winters and plus 120F summers) for four more years.
.. Recently the old, mistreated lead-acid batteries presented charging problems, and the solar charge controller fried.
.. I am rebuilding the system.
..
.. I have four solar panels - EcoWorhy 120W - (Voc 22.8V, Isc 7.75A, Vm 19.3V, Im 6.31A)
.. I have a Solar Charge Controller - no shade problem - PMW MorningStar PS-30M - (battery voltage 12/24, Max PV Open Circuit Voltage 30/60Voc, Max Input Current 30A, Rated Load current 30A).
.. I have two new batteries - LiPro 12V 200Ah.
.. I have an inverter - a SL Euthtion 5000W - (dc input operating voltage 12V, 10V to15, max PV Open Circuit Voltage 30V to 60V, max battery charging current 30A, Rated Load Current 30A)
..
This is what I have with which to reestablish electrical power in our remote cabin home.
..
After watching some of your videos, I see that the components of the system are not ideally matched. Yet, I believe they can go together and make us power from our abundant sunshine.
..
Should I put these panels in sets of two, with two panels in parallel, then the two sets of parallels in series?
..
Should I put the two 12V 200Ah batteries in parallel as 24V ...or in series as 12V?
Do you need that big of an inverter? 5000W is too much for a 12V system. i recommend getting a 48V instead using 48V batteries. A lot depends on the load you want to run. Checkout my video about a load analysis. Your inverter is an all in one system with a PWM. Not ideal.
I bought a Victron 100V 30A charge controller for my 2x 200 watts solar panels. 400watts / 14.4= 27.7 amps ok for my victron 100 v 30 amps. I use it to charge my Bluetti Ac 180
Very good and informative video thank you very much
What if I’m using more than one battery
I’m I going to add up the charging voltages or just the charging voltage for one battery
I have videos on series and parallel wiring of batteries.
I have 2 550w panels in series for a 24v battery, would a 150/35mppt work?
1100W/24V=45A, if you want to get the full power, better get a 50A MPPT.
Hello, I'm building a portable 24volt system with 2 small sized 12 volt 100amp Lifepo4 batteries. I have one 200 watts pannel and I ordered the 100/20 and think I would be able to upgrade the solar an other 380 watts. it this correct? I also have a 24 volt 3000 watts inverterI and converted 24v to 12v I'm open to recommendations.
Can 12v and 48v batteries be used on the same charge controller? On the same circuit going to the same inverter? I bought your book based on this video. Thank you. I have been able to do some calculations i didn’t understand before. 12kw 48v inverter, 4100w solar panels 10 ct, 250/100 charge controller, 6 200 ah 12v batteries, lots of florida sun. Panels are 410 output and 46v VOC.
No, you cannot connect 12 and 48V on the same charge controller. Thanks for your support 🙏
Thank You for the instructional videos 🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
thank you, so i have two 200w 24v solar connected in parallel and one 24v battery, so according to the above, i would need a 20amp controller, is that correct ?
200W/28.8V= 7A. A 10A charge controller is ok. Ensure the input voltage is 5V+ over the battery voltage. Wiring in parallel can cause difficulties.
Hi Nick! Love your videos and just got your book. I am building a 48v system for off grid storage container. I have 100Ah 48v (Li Time). I was hoping to use a 100/20 MPPT Victron I was given to charge it with. I don’t have any panels yet. I get the input voltage limit of CC but can I exceed CC 20 amp charge spec by adding parallel strings?
Thanks for getting the book! Yes, you can add more panels. You will just lose some power because of the over-paneling.
Thanks for this lecture, i bought your e-book two days ago, when i was reading through it, i discovered that, in sizing of charge controller for 12V system, you used 12V to divide the Pmax of PV array but in this lecture you are using charging voltage of 14.4V to divide. Any explanation on this
Indeed, I have it different in the book to simplify it. 14.4V is the charging voltage of a lithium battery. So it's a little more accurate. Wouldn't hurt to have 15-20% more, it increases the lifespan of the charge controller. 100W of solar power / 14.4V = 7A
If I want to go from a 12V to a 24V battery storage to have a lower A on my ChargeController..can I put two 12V Batteries in Series like I do with Solar panel to +(add) the voltage? Or do I need to buy a 24V battery?
You can series connect batteries. But you need to check the voltage when fully charged, over time they can become unbalanced. Meaning one battery can show 13.2 and the other 13.3V. so you have to place a balancer in between. Ideally use a 24V battery, but no requirement.
I’m currently sizing my 24volt rv solar setup. I’m planning on installing 1250 or maybe 1500watts of solar (5x250 or 6x250). If I’ve do the math correctly I’m going to go with a 150/70 charge controller to cover either setup. The charger’s maxPV is 150 and the panels VOC is 22.8. I could go with 150/60 controller however it would not allow for any expansion to 1500 watts. Your thoughts please.
You should only have a maximum of 5 panels in series. 22.8Vox*5*1.25=142V. You can get a 150/45A charge controller as well. 1250W/28.8V=43A
Nick,I have 6 210 W panels,going to a 24 V battery bank,will a mppt controller be sufficient
Yes, MPPT is the best option. Try to wire in series if you don't have shade. Also do not go over the max input voltage. So you probably have to wire in 3S2P (3 in series and then parallel with another 3). 6*210W=1260W/28.8V=44A.
@@cleversolarpower Nick,what size mppt controller will be best as these panels will be at 140v
I have 2 batteries 12v, will I add the 12+12=24 divide by the wattage of my panel or I'll just use 12v?
I have one solar panel of 555w and one 100AH battery so how many ampare of MPPT charge controller i required?
555/14,4=38,55x1,25=48A
@@danielnicolae9978 Thanks
Good day boss, what is the charging voltage for lead acid battery 12V, 24V and 48V system.
It depends on the type. Gel AGM or flooded. Check the manual of the battery for the recommended voltages
@@cleversolarpower thanks boss
I ordered 4 x 200ah lifpo4 batteries and a 12v 3000w pure sine inverter accompanied by 10 x 100w solar panels. I haven’t ordered the charge controller yet but I’m thinking a 100a mppt should do the trick. I don’t know much about 24v systems but maybe I should swap the 12v inverter for a 24v ?
Check my video 'how many batteries for a 3000W inverter' its my most watched video (for a good reason).
Hi, I am setting up 6 x 180W panels on 12V - battery bank I am looking into is 4 x 120Ah LiFePo4 in parallel. My panels pump 45V Voc at 5A per panel. Is a 250/100 mppt too big?
Just replace the values of your panels with the one in the video and you will see. Having that amount of solar i recommend having a 24V or even 48V system. Charge controller will be cheaper. Checkout my video: '12V,24V, or 48V battery systems'.
Hi dear I have a powmr mppt solar charge controller having capacity 60amp and 160v DC . Can I connect three solar panels of 585w with it for 12v. but manufacturer recommendations is 720w for 12 v and 1444w w for 24v and 2800w for 48v.
The recommendations are the max values, so you are good.
Pls for that example you give, can 60ahm controller also work perfectly on 600w panel and 12v 200ahm battery and 3000w inverter... without any issues? 🙏
Don't overcomplicate things. 600W/14.4V=42A --> a 60A charge controller will work.
Hi Nick, just want to confirm that it is the total watts of panel in an ARRAY? or total watts of all panels put together.. My setup is 620w x4 (2 panel in series) giving total of 2480w. so do i take 2480w or do i take an array size which is 1240w.
Battary: 12v 200ah (x2) = 24v@200ah
ive taken the ARRAY value rather than total, does that measure up what you have got in this video = 60A charge controller
The total amount of power connected to the charge controller. If you have 4 100W panels connected to the charge controller then you need to calculate with 400W.
@@cleversolarpower therefore in my case
2480(total watts)/24 (battary (2*12v 200ah lithium iron prosphate)) = 103.33 therefore will i be okay with 100 amp charge controller do as i need to respect the c rate?
Hello Nick, may i ask a question please.: I have a solar controller that came with a recent caravan i bought. Regarding the controller ... with the solar panels disconnected from controller and the battery side connected it has 2.1 volts coming out of the solar input terminals. Shouldn't this read zero? I don't think there should be any back feed voltage present at those terminals. Also do you have a video explaining the reason for having the load terminals of a controller? I thought that if your loads are connected to the battery, you don't need those terminals. Ok thank you and luv your channel and your work. I am learning so much from you :)
Yes, this should read 0V. However, 2V is not dangerous. I don't use the load output because it can only support small loads. It does cutoff the discharging when the battery reaches a certain voltage. It acts like a low voltage disconnect. But now with lithium, we don't need that anymore because the BMS will do that.
@@cleversolarpower Hello Nick, so solar input terminals should read zero volts. How is voltage back feeding into these? Thank You
Victron 75 / 15 - 2 - 100w (19v x 5.6a) panels in series, and 2 series strings in parallel. Moving up to 3 panels for 66v in series. And 3 series in parallel for 300W at 15 A.
I recommend using the Voc for calculations. 3 panels in series is going to be too much for the 75V mppt in cold weather and sunny days.
Hi, can you pls tell me some info?
Since we will be charging the 51.2V 230ah 11.7KWh Wall&Floor-mounted LiFePO4 Battery (link bellow) with 3 x 480W solar panels ( Vmp = 37.10, lmp = 12.95A ), we would like to have information on which Victron MPPT controller is suitable so that the battery will be charged properly (Operatin value charge of the battery is 43V - 58V).
Does the Victron 150/35 match the charging voltage? Which fuse must I get?
Can such a battery be simultaneously charged from the panels and at the same time transmit energy to other consumers?
I need to know your Voc, i will take a guess and assume it's 45V. 45Voc*3panels in series*1.25=168V -> you can only use 2 panels in series. 480W*3panels=1440W/57.6V=25A. You can get another panel and wire the panels in a 2S2P configuration. 1920W/57.6V=33.3A Then you can get the victron 150/35A
Very interesting! We have a boat a 550Watt solar panel, but a solar charge controller of 30A. There are both, a 12V and a 24V system on the boat. So now I guess I need to find out what the voltage from controller to batteries is, right?
550W/14.4V=38A. Ensure the input voltage from the solar panel is 5V higher than the battery voltage.
@@cleversolarpower So it’s a 12V system which means our solar charge controller is too small for the panel - but what are the chances that the panel ever reaches its maximum capacity in cloudy England? …
@@cleversolarpower Now I have a new issue: When checking the voltage that comes out of our solar charge controller it shows between 16 and 17 V - but it should only be around 13 for a 12 V system or not? The solar charge controller is supposed to set itself automatically between 12V and 24V. What could be the reason for this?
Hello. Thank you verry much. It's really helpfull! Is it possible to use victron mppt as a booster. For exemple i have a ebike with a batterie 48v. 25 amp. And a solar panel 100w 12 v ? I want to charge my bike while riding... let's say with a smal victron mppt. Have a nice day!
I'm not sure what you mean by booster. The input of the mppt needs to be 5V higher than that of the battery. You can use a step up DC to DC converter and then feed it into the mppt.
@@cleversolarpower Thank you !
Pls help with the calculations.
I have a 12v / 240ah tubular battery and three pieces of 45v / 420watts sollar panel.
What could be the size of MPPT charge controller, wire size and a fuse?
Just repeat the directions in the video. I cannot make it any easier than that.
Thanks for this. What are the panel's rated Isc and Imp at STC.? (I am interested in the number of strings being just 2)
That depends on the panel you have. Every panel is different.
Do you have to consider output power? IE you have a 100w panel charging a small battery, and once or twice a day you have a highish amp draw pulling power for 5 minutes and then shutting off - do you have to size your controller to allow for that draw as well? Or for something high draw you just connect it directly to the battery?
The charging and discharging are completely separate. You must wire your loads directly from the battery or busbar. A charge controller doesn't have an influence on the load.
I was wondering if you can help me understand why my victron mppt 250/100 charge controller is running very hot and only putting out 1380watts even though it's connected to a 3300watt solar arrey in parallel.
Thank you
I assume you are running a 48V system. 3300W*0.8=2640W (realistic power production at noon with sun) 2640W/57.6V=48.8A. Have you cleaned your panels recently? Can you measure the input voltage? Send me an email with your test findings, i don't see replies.
Thanks for this informative and educative lecture, pls i am in Nigeria Africa, how can i buy your book
Thanks! You can get it on my website in PDF format or on amazon south africa.
Just a question Sir if two solar panels 535 watts are put in parallel what charge controller do I need changing two 12v put in parallel also
535+535=1070W/12V=90A.
I have 4 lifepo4 300 amp batteries what controller would I need ,6 pv panels 243 watts a piece
It's shown in the video, please do some effort to follow it. I'm not going to spoon feed you, otherwise you would not learn.
I have 8-100W solar panels 4S2P and a 60A/150V HQST charge controller with 6AWG and a 60A fuse.
If I have 5 250 amp hour batteries agm. And I have two 400 amp portable folding solar panels systems . And I can connect all the batteries with a switch. Would you use a 70 amp charger . It’s a lot of amp hours . My charger on shore power will hit them with 130 amps for one hour if they’re around 50 percent . It’s an old heart interface inverter charger.
400W/12V=33A. You will need a 30A MPPT or larger. Recommend charging rate of each battery is 250Ah*0.2C=50A. So in total you should have a max charger of 5*50A=250A. So a 70A charger is suited.
Sir,
This SCC formula = "solar panel power÷battery charging voltage" , how can you apply it to strings of battery ? Like for instance, if I have 2# of 12volts battery in parallel and we have an 800watts panel. What will be the size of the SCC to match up ?
depends if your batteries are placed in series or parallel. series:24V, parallel 12V. 800W/14.4=56A
Hi, a bit of confusion regarding the figures. If I have 2 x 130w panels and I have a 24v battery setup with a 12/24 charge controller, does that mean that I divide 230w / 28.8 to get 7.98amps, so I need a 10amp charge controller? As the panels don't come in 12/24 version, how does the system know?
260W/28.8=9A -> 10A charge controller. The charge controller sees the battery voltage. If the voltage on it's terminals is closer to 12V, then it detects a 12V battery. If it's closer to 24V, then it detects a 24V battery.
Great information Sir! Thank you
My pleasure
Have a 100 volt 20 amp victron have two panels max I've seen be 150 watts 800 watt day to 600 thinking would like to going Bifacial solar panel or panels.... Running life po 4 100 ah 1280 wh batteries... What watts panel should I get...thinking want to go 24 volt and use a 48 volt wind turbine as well...help? Please
Check out my video about sizing an off grid solar system.
So glad I found your channel. I am trying to figure out what i need to set up a solar panel(s) to keep my boat battery charged. Currently running a 36V 60AH LiPo battery for my trolling motor. Trying to figure out what i can use as the boat is on a storage lot so not much room for big solar panels.
Welcome aboard! You need to wire panels in series to go over the minimum recommended input voltage to charge a 36V battery. For example 3x 50W solar panels in series will give you 18Vx3=54V. This is enough to charge the 36V battery with an mppt. 2 18V panels will not be enough.
@@cleversolarpower thank you for the reply. That makes sense sort of lol. Not sure if I will be able to have 350 W panels due to space. What do you think about the MPT boost controllers? Looking at a 100 W 12 V panel with the boost controller to charge, the 36 V battery.
Solar panel is 18V 150W charge controller 40A battery acid 660 is it ok watching from ZAMBIA 🇿🇲🇿🇲
My formula (100V x 0.8)/19.8V = 4.04
Would I be safe for 4 panels on a 100/50 controller? Or should I go bigger on the controller or reduce to 3 panels in series?
If 19.8V is the voc, then it will be ok.
Please is it possible to use a 570w single solar panel to a 12v battery ? I have a 40a mppt charge controller
I am asking bcos someone told me if I want to use that single 570w panel I need a 24v battery not 12v
I have a lithium battery 200ah and 2X 180 watt panel what’s the right pwm amps charge controller to use????
Put your panels in parallel. 180W*2=360W/13.6=26.5A -> 30A PWM.
I use a victron 150/100 charger. 1000w of panels. And a 1000 amp 12v battery bank.
Its a bit of an overkill. But works great.
Thank you for the video, it was quite informative and engaging. I however have a question, combining the panels in series increases the panel voltage to 48v, which of course can be handled by the MPPT SCC but shouldn't the connected battery be a 48v battery too?
No, the mppt can always step down the voltage. With an mppt, the current automatically increases. A pwm doesn't increase the current, just cuts the voltage. So a 150voc solar panel string can charge a 12V battery.
I have 3 350 watt panels each on its own 30amp mppt going into a 400 amp batt Bank.
(2) 200 amp batts wired in parallel.
Question
How many batts can you have in parallel. The max size bank in all in parallel??
For a parallel connection without a busbar i would say max 5 batteries. If you have more, then i recommend using busbars in order for the current sharing to be optimal. Check my video about current sharing to understand why.
I have 500w solar and 405ah batteries , what can be the capacity of my controller?
So if your having a 20amps mppt and allows only 60volts voc it will be exempted if you turn your battery to 24volts system?
I don't quite understand your question. But you can add up to 60V of solar panels, if the mppt is compatible with a 24V battery and the solar voltage is higher than the battery voltage +5V, then its ok.
I have a 330w 24v solar panel and 30A mppt charge controller rated ( 12v/24v) I want to connect to a 12v battery and a 12v inverter, can this system work properly? Please respond
Yes, also depends on the size of the inverter. Check my most popular video.
I see, Thanks for your response.
Hi can you tell me if this set up will work…?
I have an EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Portable Power Station which states “Solar Input: 11-50V, 13A, 220W Max”
I also have the following solar panel “VTOMAN VS400 Portable Solar Panel 400W 40V, 23% Efficiency Foldable Solar Panel”
Question is, will,the two be compatible?
The Ecoflow states 220W MAX but according to your calcs (400w / 40v = 10amps ) so (seems ok?)
Am I missing something? Not sure why 220W is a max…
If not compatible could I use an MPPT controller to lower the panels voltage ?
Thanks
The max input is 50V. Take your Voc and multiply by 1.25, this should be max 50V. Not sure why they say 220W max. 13A*50V=650W.
Clearly explained
Would a 2000 Watt Continuous/4000 Watt Peak Modified Sine Wave Power Inverter, 30amp solar charge controller, with 2 100 watt solar panels be enough to power a 1.5hp pool pump? If not could you PLEASE provide the details on a setup that could handle that?
Most likely not if the pump draws a high startup current. I recommend a low frequency 5kW inverter for that pump. It can run it, but you don't have batteries. You need a 48V system as well.
maybe a silly question.. I have 2 panels of 540 watts each and voc is 50. I have a 100v to 30a charge controller from victron..what combination should use? series or parallel or can i use it at all?
You should wire in parallel.
@@cleversolarpowerthanks ...ill hit your sub right now
I have 2x 295w panels in series in the area that has full sun on a Victron mppt smart 100/50 and two 330w panels in parallel on the side where there is some tree shading at times, also on Victron mppt smart 100/50. They charge 4 lithium Ion batteries of 24v/100Amp. It basically runs the whole house (but in Spain, so lots of sun hours.
Ive got 400w solar in my 12v system with a 30a mppt charge controller, its only ~ +10% safety margin but i think that's ok. Do you agree?
You will miss out on bright cold days, but that's ok.
I see now victron makes a 150/35 that would be perfect.... my wife was right!
Thanks again Nick.
In your calculation of the charge controller capacity you used maximum power at STC of the panel instead of Max input Voltage. I'm confused. Please can you clarify?
Please for give me if im out off track i want to make a very small 24v system with a 60a PWM
I would like to find out if it porsable to use a 60amp charge controler to charge two 12v 7amp connected in series
Check my video about C rate for more information.
Ihave 300Ah 12volt battery, iam trying to buy 200W×3, which Amp charge controller should i buy, sir
600W/14.4V=42A -> 40A or 50A charge controller.
The solar panel u used is 24 volts so did you use a 12 volts battery for your illustration. ??
Yes, a 12V battery. The voltage will be lowered and the current will increase. Check my video about 12,24 or 48V battery systems.
I have two batteries 100AH each. Can i connect them in parallel and use a 40A charge controller with two solar panels of 200watts each?
Yes, paralleling the batteries will give you 12V. Wire the panels in series to reduce voltage drop if you use an mppt.
@@cleversolarpower Thanks. I appreciate. So I can use my 40A charge controller and my 2000watts inverter?
It is a Great explanation like it so much,God bless you.
Hi I just want to start 100 w panel with 100 ah battery is that okey to use 75/15 mppt charge controler ?
Is it bad if your charge controller is bigger than the amps my solar panels produce?
Great video m8. Thanks.
I'm truly enjoying your videos, so informative. I have (6) 450w solar panels, can I run them in series using an MPPT 150/70, a 48v 3000VA Multiplus and a 48v 100Ah LiFe P04 battery?
Very helpful, thanks1
Thanks!
Are we allowed to put too high of a charge controller? For example if I have 200w solar for 12V batt so we require a 20a charger, can we use a 30a charger in case later we buy more solar panels?
Yes, no problem.
@@cleversolarpower@cleversolarpower Hey how about 170w panel with 1x 110amh agm leisure battery. Is a 40a charge controller too much? The type i would like to buy is only available in 20a and 40a. I want to be able to buy more panels and batteries in future
The Question I have has to do with the Max Power (STC) rating of a Solar Panel... say 200 watts, which is the basis for the calculations. If the panels are mounted 'flat' on the roof of an RV with maximum power generated would be less, correct?
Yes, you have to angle them so they are 90° angled towards the sun.
In theory "flat" panel installation would reduce the input power to the Charge controller, lessening the concern if the rating of the controller is "borderline"... Correct? @@cleversolarpower
I have 600 watt panel & 300AH battery.
How Amp. Solar controller need to run this setup.
Repeat the calculations shown in the video, it's not hard.
Do you have two books out 😮😮😮😮 thanks much 😅😅😅😮😮😮
Just one 😉