From a pure safety perspective I think its worth pointing out: it's always good to fuse your panels! In your case however, your panels are really not fused, because you have installed the biggest MCB(Mini Circuit Breaker) you could get - without any thought of protection(sizing of fuse/MCB). Fusing panels is most important in a parallel configuration of panels, where you need to fuse each panel, to protect the other panels if one should become faulty. However, in general whenever current is flowing through wires, the wires should always be protected against overcurrent and shorts. So fusing is still needed in a series connection of panels - but then you then only need one for the whole string. Again, fusing is mainly to protect your wiring, but actually also your controller - and your panels, if your controller should short out! You can actually still use your MCB as BOTH an Isolator switch AND as a fuse, but only if you rate the fuse(MCB in this case) correctly according to your panels. The size(rate in amps) should be 1,25 - 1,5 times max. amps of your panels. (I.e. if your panels have a Pmax current of 5 Amps - the fuse should be around 8 Amps or so) (Sorry for misspelling etc. - English is only my 2'nd language :)
Great explanation on fusing panels for all of us! Perfectly understandable (your english is great) and I just so happen to have a bag full of fuses for such an upcoming project! Mahalo! 🤙
You are very correct! The inline fuses are great in parallel configurations right at the panels and then a MCB indoor, when it is a 2 pole it will react as a full isolator. I was just not going to get into all that(Its a full topic on its own just talking about trip curves of MCB's, fuses vs. MCB's etc.) and it seems our good freind is still on a learning curve(he often points out himself). So I fugured one step at a time, to not scare anyone off the topic from the get-go. However: you are absolutely correct on all the safety measures you mention. Anything about 40-50V will hurt you and 10 Panels in series gives you easy 200V. That is danger not only to equipment but to any person touching a loose connect or other. It should be handled with proper attention. With 10 panels, I can guess he has a 5S2P (5 panels in series parallel with another 5 panels in series) In such case a inline fuse at the panels between the two series strings would be perfect. And if he has no MCB in the right size, then another inline fuse twice the size of the parallel inline fuse - and keeping the 63A MCB as isolator switch will do the trick.
@@jbjensen11 Geez! You guys are really passionate about fusing panels. How often does something go wrong and what's the worst thing that can happen if you don't? And grounding panels, same thing, why?
@@PWoods-cd6tk Maybe you are right... Maybe fusing electrical systems are overrated. Maybe it takes much much much more than just 5 amps to start a fire or blow the rest of the components in your system. Maybe grounding is overrated too - maybe the the groundfault relay protection tripping before you accidental get chocked, is overrated. Just like in all household electrical... maybe electrical codes are just meant to bother people, not to keep you and your proporty safe 😄😄😄
I'm confused what the circuit breakers are for if you have the cutoff switch. Everytime I think I'm ready to hook up my system I think I'm missing something and amazon gets another order! I have 3x100w panels, 100/30 victron controller, 2x100ah agm batteries, 1500w inverter. So with the parallel config I have 3x10amp fuses at the panels. Unsure if I need a cutoff, breaker, or both (or fuse?) after the controller. Manual says inverter has built in fuses so I think I'm good there
looks great ! nice look at DC rated breaker/switch . because my panels are far away from home I had to have isolator switch at solar array to meet code. I got MC4 style rotary type with RED know and waterproof. UL approved safety disconnect. the ones inside are the DC rated fuse disconnect. along with Midnight solar PV surge protector. if you want fuse protection for PV system they make a inline MC4 with fuse cable . windynation has them. I had to have my system inspected for insurance. always check before. as a electrician I already know about codes. very important for grid tie system may even need a permit . check local codes first. my system is off grid only. my homeowners insurance wanted a inspection.
Great information as always brother! I have a bag full of those windy nation mc4 compatible inline fuses. They are going in next. Just in case yeah? Great share for all of us buddy! Aloha! 🤙
I believe the 50 that is on the Victron refers to the amperage on the battery side. As normally the batteryside of things is on a lower voltage then on the solar side of things, the amperage on the solar side will be lower. You can also see this in the Victron app.
Can you do an episode about what to do with excess solar? I live in an area that has a lot of cloudy days, so I have a lot of panels. But when it’s sunny, I have a huge amount of power. Some ideas so far: 1) heat water for showers (this is what most people do) 2) if local businesses have actions that need to be done using electricity- they could bring the machine here and hook up to free power. 3) maybe I need to buy an electric car to charge it up. 4) any other cool and creative ideas?
Could a disconnect switch combined with a bypass switch be used to manage, turn off and on, a couple solar panels in a string array? If solar panels were added to an existing permitted grid tie pv system and wants the added panels to increase kw output only at certain times, or certain days, switching them on and off from the string could be useful.
Yes, you can wire many different panels for such days as long as you keep the PV voltages within a volt or two to minimize having the MPPT trying to re-scan and then stick on the higher voltage. I do that here in Michigan since I have panels facing in three directions. I do it mainly to spread the harvest out during the day.
I bought a Victron 100/30a mppt solar charge controller to charge my Dr. Prepare 100ah battery with hub. This charge controller goes into absorption when the battery is very low. It will not start charging the next morning. I have to unplug it and wait and plug it in later and I have two 100 watt flexible solar panels on my truck. I have been connecting my battery first and it doesn't seem to work. I bought the Victron thinking I will not have to mess with it.
Try connecting the panels in series. The VE won't start harvesting until the PV voltage is 5 volts higher than the battery. Double check your settings and check to make sure you have a GOOD battery. I believe there is a lower voltage limit as well on when the MPPT will start charging and a dead cell could be the problem or a failed BMS if using Lithium
@@ProjectsinParadise808 sorry, actually because it has some smarts in it it would be a sectionalizer. If a link goes off it means something else in your protection scheme failed and would require the link to melt
Just thinking about this and working on my little system. Good timing.
🤙
Great info..particularly energizing the charge controllers from the batteries before the solar panels get connected. Cheers🎉
Aloha! 🤙
Thanks for your great content. I am really enjoying being a member of your channel. Take care.
Mahalo for your membership! Will be sharing much more behind the scenes , and interactions along the way. Aloha! 🤙
From a pure safety perspective I think its worth pointing out: it's always good to fuse your panels! In your case however, your panels are really not fused, because you have installed the biggest MCB(Mini Circuit Breaker) you could get - without any thought of protection(sizing of fuse/MCB).
Fusing panels is most important in a parallel configuration of panels, where you need to fuse each panel, to protect the other panels if one should become faulty.
However, in general whenever current is flowing through wires, the wires should always be protected against overcurrent and shorts. So fusing is still needed in a series connection of panels - but then you then only need one for the whole string. Again, fusing is mainly to protect your wiring, but actually also your controller - and your panels, if your controller should short out!
You can actually still use your MCB as BOTH an Isolator switch AND as a fuse, but only if you rate the fuse(MCB in this case) correctly according to your panels. The size(rate in amps) should be 1,25 - 1,5 times max. amps of your panels. (I.e. if your panels have a Pmax current of 5 Amps - the fuse should be around 8 Amps or so)
(Sorry for misspelling etc. - English is only my 2'nd language :)
Great explanation on fusing panels for all of us! Perfectly understandable (your english is great) and I just so happen to have a bag full of fuses for such an upcoming project! Mahalo! 🤙
Thay make a inline MC4 fuse holder just for that reason. also is a code requirement in some setups. also surge protectors and grounding .
You are very correct! The inline fuses are great in parallel configurations right at the panels and then a MCB indoor, when it is a 2 pole it will react as a full isolator.
I was just not going to get into all that(Its a full topic on its own just talking about trip curves of MCB's, fuses vs. MCB's etc.) and it seems our good freind is still on a learning curve(he often points out himself). So I fugured one step at a time, to not scare anyone off the topic from the get-go.
However: you are absolutely correct on all the safety measures you mention. Anything about 40-50V will hurt you and 10 Panels in series gives you easy 200V. That is danger not only to equipment but to any person touching a loose connect or other. It should be handled with proper attention.
With 10 panels, I can guess he has a 5S2P (5 panels in series parallel with another 5 panels in series) In such case a inline fuse at the panels between the two series strings would be perfect. And if he has no MCB in the right size, then another inline fuse twice the size of the parallel inline fuse - and keeping the 63A MCB as isolator switch will do the trick.
@@jbjensen11 Geez! You guys are really passionate about fusing panels. How often does something go wrong and what's the worst thing that can happen if you don't? And grounding panels, same thing, why?
@@PWoods-cd6tk Maybe you are right... Maybe fusing electrical systems are overrated. Maybe it takes much much much more than just 5 amps to start a fire or blow the rest of the components in your system. Maybe grounding is overrated too - maybe the the groundfault relay protection tripping before you accidental get chocked, is overrated. Just like in all household electrical... maybe electrical codes are just meant to bother people, not to keep you and your proporty safe 😄😄😄
These make great little lightning protectors too.
Good point to mention, mahalo! 🤙
I'm confused what the circuit breakers are for if you have the cutoff switch. Everytime I think I'm ready to hook up my system I think I'm missing something and amazon gets another order! I have 3x100w panels, 100/30 victron controller, 2x100ah agm batteries, 1500w inverter. So with the parallel config I have 3x10amp fuses at the panels. Unsure if I need a cutoff, breaker, or both (or fuse?) after the controller. Manual says inverter has built in fuses so I think I'm good there
looks great ! nice look at DC rated breaker/switch . because my panels are far away from home I had to have isolator switch at solar array to meet code. I got MC4 style rotary type with RED know and waterproof. UL approved safety disconnect. the ones inside are the DC rated fuse disconnect. along with Midnight solar PV surge protector. if you want fuse protection for PV system they make a inline MC4 with fuse cable . windynation has them. I had to have my system inspected for insurance. always check before. as a electrician I already know about codes. very important for grid tie system may even need a permit . check local codes first. my system is off grid only. my homeowners insurance wanted a inspection.
Great information as always brother! I have a bag full of those windy nation mc4 compatible inline fuses. They are going in next. Just in case yeah? Great share for all of us buddy! Aloha! 🤙
I believe the 50 that is on the Victron refers to the amperage on the battery side. As normally the batteryside of things is on a lower voltage then on the solar side of things, the amperage on the solar side will be lower.
You can also see this in the Victron app.
Awesome. Love isolators!! Have a great Memorial Day!!
Had a great weekend, hope you did as well my friend! Aloha! 🤙
Good Afternoon ! Have a great Memorial Day. TAKE CARE..
Mahalo and same to you! 🤙
Can you do an episode about what to do with excess solar? I live in an area that has a lot of cloudy days, so I have a lot of panels. But when it’s sunny, I have a huge amount of power.
Some ideas so far:
1) heat water for showers (this is what most people do)
2) if local businesses have actions that need to be done using electricity- they could bring the machine here and hook up to free power.
3) maybe I need to buy an electric car to charge it up.
4) any other cool and creative ideas?
Bitcoin mining
I would like to see an explanation video about the black breaker from your wall.
Very well explained. Whats the difference to the red circle switch from your main system?
Could a disconnect switch combined with a bypass switch be used to manage, turn off and on, a couple solar panels in a string array? If solar panels were added to an existing permitted grid tie pv system and wants the added panels to increase kw output only at certain times, or certain days, switching them on and off from the string could be useful.
Yes, you can wire many different panels for such days as long as you keep the PV voltages within a volt or two to minimize having the MPPT trying to re-scan and then stick on the higher voltage. I do that here in Michigan since I have panels facing in three directions. I do it mainly to spread the harvest out during the day.
I bought a Victron 100/30a mppt solar charge controller to charge my Dr. Prepare 100ah battery with hub.
This charge controller goes into absorption when the battery is very low.
It will not start charging the next morning.
I have to unplug it and wait and plug it in later and
I have two 100 watt flexible solar panels on my truck.
I have been connecting my battery first and it doesn't seem to work.
I bought the Victron thinking I will not have to mess with it.
Try connecting the panels in series. The VE won't start harvesting until the PV voltage is 5 volts higher than the battery. Double check your settings and check to make sure you have a GOOD battery. I believe there is a lower voltage limit as well on when the MPPT will start charging and a dead cell could be the problem or a failed BMS if using Lithium
You breaker at 7:20 is 32A not 63A, and that is a bit close for your 30A solar controller. ;-)
In the power industry you would call those links if they are never meant to trip
Never knew that. Mahalo for sharing! 🤙
@@ProjectsinParadise808 sorry, actually because it has some smarts in it it would be a sectionalizer. If a link goes off it means something else in your protection scheme failed and would require the link to melt
🙏🏻☮️👍
Aloha! 🤙