If I wanted to hook up a fifth panel, should it be done in series? How much voltage can the MPPT controller handle?
2067357
If you need to hook the fifth panel in series, the panel open circuit voltage will be slightly over 100Vdc. So we can only hook 4 panels in series for 12volts system. For 24volts, you can do 1000W. But you need even number of the solar panels, so they can do combination of series and parallel connection.
789751
Solutions From Science uses a PWM Morningstar and 50 feet of cable with their 90w or 100w panels. However, a high quality MPPT controller will enable you to get as much output from a smaller panel. I recommend the Genasun GV-4-Lead with a 50w panel, or the GV-5-Lead with a 65w panel. Check these out at the Genasun site, then see where you can find them (Amazon does not carry them). They are made in the USA, and are the absolute best for low wattage applications. (I have 5, and love them.) Check Missouri Wind and Solar for the panels. Keep the cable as short as possible, as voltage drop occurs quickly in a 12v system. Also, use solar cable if possible, or at least low voltage landxcape cable, 12 gauge if possible. Finally, mount the charge controller as close as possible to the batteries; not the panel.
409642
If you are using 4 panels with this kit it only uses a 20 amp controller. You must be using a 24v battery bank to use up to 400 watts. Can you explain your situation a little more? We are a bit confused with what setup you have. Thank you. AW
1842769
Yes, as long as you do not exceed the voltage and current limits of the controller. For instance, if you are connecting two 5 watt panels in series, the voltage will be double that of a single panel but the current would be the same as a single panel. Conversely, if you're connecting the panels in parallel, you'll have double the current but the same voltage. In that case you'd want to ensure the controller is rated for the increased current.
830727
Your panels are rated between 5 and 6 AMPS at 18-20V. The Charger is designed to handle 20 AMPS up to 32V. It is also used as a timer to support automatically running an electrical output circuit.3 panels are within guidlines. Your maximum PV INput would be about 460W at 22V. You could add a 4th panel without losing much efficiency.
1957392
Some solar panel controllers need to have 5 volts above operating voltage to 'start' operating so you may need a 17volt 2.5 amp PSU to get correct nominal 12 volt operation. I have used a 7 amp solar power controller on a mains electric Generator's 12 volt 'battery charging' output that was putting out 16 or 17 volts and was able to charge a sealed lead acid battery at 14.4 volts.
426996
Yes you can hook them up together in parallel and the voltage will remain the same but the amperage will be 4 times that of one panel. You will definitely need a charge controller with what is going to amount to 80 watts of panel input to the battery. It might be helpful to know more specifics about what you plan to do. If you want to just keep a battery up this is far more panel than you need. If you plan to use the battery daily to power things than 80 watts may or may not be sufficient depending on the size of the battery, the wattage/amperage draw of the loads, and how much daily sun you anticipate. There are a lot of variables. You will also definitely need fuses for fire safety. Hope this helps. BTW, it might be cheaper to buy a singe 80 watt panel as opposed to four 20 watt panels.
94032
This model will handle a maximum of 100 volts of DC output from your solar panels, so your 48 volts is well withing its limits. If your system uses 12 volt batteries, which is most common, and your panels produce no more than 130 watts of maximum power (260 watts if your electrical system is 24 volts) this controller will do the job well. This is a great little controller and I'm totally satisfied with it, and the price is very fair.
1447152
I would not design a system with parallel battery charge controllers. I would combine the panels (or strings) using a combiner box and then wire it to a single battery charge controller. If the 40 MPPT is not big enough, go to a larger charge controllers, they come in all sizes. Very large systems may need multiple charge controllers, but then they have to be sophisticated enough to not fight each other. The Tracer is a good controller, but not a sophisticated charge controller.
2165897
I think a 20A would be the min I would hook up two panels to. I have 4 panels wired in series and parrallel to a 40A MPPT controller. The MPPT vs PWM is a different thing completely. You can google the difference between the two. I have had great luck and success with MPPT TRACER 3215RN Solar Charge Controller 30A 12V 24V EP I've used this one and the same brand in 20A. These are great panels and make power even in moonlight.
2224660
this is not a mppt controller. so it will work only in parallel panels not in series with your panels
1293265
If the panels are less than 50 volt panels and are a long way from the MPPT then wire them in serial and hook them to the panel input on the MPPT. If not parallel them into the MPPT but use higher gauge wire. Always hook battery first to MPPT
1969171
Yes- I have connected a 240w panel (30V @ 8amps) and also two 135w panels (total 35V @ 3.8amps each) and it works fine. The limiting factor that may cause the confusion is that the maximum output is 240watts (12V @ 20amps) if you are connected to 12V batteries. In my case, I was connected to a 24V battery bank and was dumping about 17amps at 26volts into the batteries when I had all panels connected (the 240W + 2x130w). For the money the controller works well. If you connect to 12V battery; 240w is maximum; if you connect to 24v battery you can get 480w. It doesn't support over 32 volts, so you can't use a 48V battery bank. Yes- I have connected a 240w panel (30V @ 8amps) and also two 135w panels (total 35V @ 3.8amps each) and it works fine. The limiting factor that may cause the confusion is that the maximum output is 240watts (12V @ 20amps) if you are connected to 12V batteries. In my case, I was connected to a 24V battery bank and was dumping about 17amps at 26volts into the batteries when I had all panels connected (the 240W + 2x130w). For the money the controller works well. If you connect to 12V battery; 240w is maximum; if you connect to 24v battery you can get 480w. It doesn't support over 32 volts, so... » Read More Yes- I have connected a 240w panel (30V @ 8amps) and also two 135w panels (total 35V @ 3.8amps each) and it works fine. The limiting factor that may cause the confusion is that the maximum output is 240watts (12V @ 20amps) if you are connected to 12V batteries. In my case, I was connected to a 24V battery bank and was dumping about 17amps at 26volts into the batteries when I had all panels connected (the 240W + 2x130w). For the money the controller works well. If you connect to 12V battery; 240w is maximum; if you connect to 24v battery you can get 480w. It doesn't support over 32 volts, so you can't use a 48V battery bank. « Show Less
1771956
This controller will handle up to 30amps. So for example, I have 3 panels at ~145w each (~7.5 amps) that are connected to each other and run to this controller. Since I'm only bringing in max around 22 amps, then this one controller is plenty. I could actually add one more panel to it of the same size as my current and it should continue to work fine. To answer your question though, yes, if your panels are large enough to put you over 30a with two panels, then run them side by side and connect the two controllers to the same battery bank without issue.
1771954
I have 2 panels, each puts out about 7 amps connected to this controller and could easily add more. Look at the specs on your panels and size your controller appropriately.
2082893
Mppt controllers usually cycle just like pwm controller depending on load light etc at 200watts the mppt controller isn't IMHO the best controller for charging at lower wattages. Check your manual that came with the charge controller.
2062604
Marion,If I understand your question correctly, you would need to configure your battery bank to match in the voltage level of your inverter, then set your MPPT charge controller to the same voltage as well as wire your battery bank to match the same voltage. If you are planning to run a 48V system, you would need to wire four 12V batteries in series to get to 48V to match the charge controller and inverter (assuming both are set to 48V). I hope this helps.Solarhome Sales Team