Bought this unit to use with 3 X 250W, 32V, 8A panels in p'lel to charge 2 X 125AH batts in p'lel, output to 12V 2500W inverter. Good choice or not?
888202
Val this charge controller can only handle a maximum of 500w of solar for a 12v battery system, or up to 1000w for a 24v battery system. Since you are planning to use 3 x 250w, you will need to wire those batteries in series for 24v, and get a 24v inverter. If you don't want to go for a 24v battery configuration, and want to stick with 12v, then you will need to drop a panel and just go with 500w, or you will need to use an additional controller (controller 1: 2x250w, controller 2: 1x250w or 2x250w).
616969
This is why I hooked my 520 watts of panels in series so you halve the amperage. I can add another 2 panels in the future and still keep it under 30 amps. Remember too that the charge controller can charge a normal 12v battery bank, that's what mine is. I recommend making a 24v panel setup.
554969
yes, as long as the inverter can operate between 12 and 18 volts. Most larger panels have an output between 24 and 30 volts.
626443
I ran a small 400 watt inverter off of this unit to operate a laptop computer up on the dash of my motorhome while underway. Worked fine but the key of course is having it on a properly fused 12 volt circuit matched to whatever device your trying to run. This unit has a 15 amp limit. Use it improperly and I'm sure it would burn up.
1570342
Do not hook up to 24 volts, it's For 12v to 13.5 dc volt . You can find good one inverter 24 volt @ http://www.theinverterstore.com/2500-watt-power-inverter-24-volt.html
841532
Yes, #4 will easily handle a 500W inverter. You could use smaller, 6 or even 8 if you keep the length short. I have this kit on my 1500 watt inverter.
532398
I purchased this system to act as a 'test bed' prior to buying my main dual-axis 2 panel system (Two 250W, 24V 8A panels). It's a monocrystilline 100w panel stated to output 5 amps, 12volts. I see consistent 13~14 volts at 4 amps, and have hit 5 amps on really good days (but 4A are more realistic). As a test item, I had it charging a 73AH Deep Cycle Gel battery from West Marine (the panel came with a 30A PWM charge controller). It worked fine and charged the battery in a matter of short hours ( I have both an amp meter and a volt meter connected to track its output). Previously, I was using two 45W amorphous panels (Harbor Freight) that took up to 4 days to do what this one panel can do in 4 hours. Buy with confidence.
1680258
From My experience the "30 amp" Sunforce controller is not robust enough for the output of the 4 158 Watt panels. I had to buy an Outback controller. Because there does not seem to be a good inexpensive controller in the realm of 30 to 60 amps out there. You could get 2 controllers and split the panels. A little more info on the Sunforce controller, they die quietly for the most part, and there are some Websites out there that may have figured out a way to beef up the controller. The world of solar is very seductive and can suck your wallet dry in minutes... or months. If you are just trying to supplement your home use, and do not need power at night, you should consider getting a 500 watt grid tie inverter. During the day the inverter will produce power, and run reduce the speed of the electric meter, if it makes more than you are using it will run the meter backwards.They plug right into the house, and they have island protection, meaning that if the power goes out the inverter stop. Amazon has them,
1676404
Don't really know, but off hand I would say you will fry your inverter. The inverter is for 12V input and a 12V PV panel VOC will run about 18 volts. I have seen this type of inverter in a 24V model which may work. You might be able to find a DC to DC voltage converter to half your PV panel output voltage and double the amperage and that would probably work on this inverter also.
1662101
This is not a good option, I'm sorry. I suggest looking for a 10watt 12v panel that discloses the actual specifications of the unit. The output voltage is undisclosed and I had very irregular performance.Hope this helps...good luck.
703996
the inverter will work but you did not say what wattage it is. Are you making the 2 batteries into 12 volts? You will need a charge controller too.
2077094
I have two 250 watt panels connected in parallel, feeding this unit, since it still has a good working margin above 500w. I used schotkey diodes on each output to prevent feedback between panels. It is operating as expected.
1331536
If you match the proper size batteries to your panels through the right size charge controller you will have no problem charging the batteries. The generally accepted ratio is 1 1/2 watts of panel per amp hour of battery for a productive charge. This unit is not a charge controller. This is a 12 volt power inverter that converts the 12 volt power in your battery to 120volt ac for common use. I have one of these. It works ok for the money but it doesn't produce very "clean" electricity.
157430
My grid tie 300 watt inverter is connected to two 150 watt 22 volt panels. Working just fine at that voltage. The previous one burnt out with three panels connected to it. Apparently the voltage and amperage had increased when at full sun. I would consider de-rating all voltage values to 80 percent on any inverter you purchase.
2002407
I used a standard car battrery and it ran a radio 2 40 watt lamps for days before needing a charge. Make sure you dont get poitive and negitive mixed up. It killed my inverter dead.
409921
If your batteries are connected in series to give 24 V DC, I would not recommend that you use this inverter because it is meant to be used with a 12 V DC supply. Instead you may want to find a 24 V DC to 110V AC Inverter such as the "Power Bright ML1500-24 1500 Watt 24 Volt DC To 110 Volt AC Power Inverter". Amazon has this product also. If in doubt, have an electrician assist with the installation.
2193074
I have blown inverters that have matching capacities to the PV's. A good rule is to give yourself extra capacity. Although your PV array is rated at 1000 watts your are probably producing 700watts tops. You are probably wondering if you can get away with using a 1000 watt inverter. I wouldn't risk it. I've done it in the past, but heat is your enemy. Over rate your system with a 1500 inverter and spare yourself the aggravation of living on a prayer. P.s. lengthen the life of your inverter by cooling it with a low wattage fan.