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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: pete36330 on June 22, 2010, 08:47:46 PM

Title: solar panel controller
Post by: pete36330 on June 22, 2010, 08:47:46 PM
I've got 6 siemens sr100 solar panels that I'm planning on putting on the roof of my mci9,,any input ,,advice on what mppt charger /controller to use..I have a 24v battery bank..thanks
Title: Re: solar panel controller
Post by: Tim Strommen on June 22, 2010, 09:03:17 PM
Outback (http://www.outbackpower.com/products/charge_controllers/flexmax/)

Put your panels in series, make sure you use bypass diodes between panels...

-T
Title: Re: solar panel controller
Post by: Jerry32 on June 23, 2010, 06:43:35 AM
I have a blue sky controller on six 80 watt panels and seems towork well. I see the voltage go up to about28.9 volts then drop back to float at 26.5  Jerry
Title: Re: solar panel controller
Post by: Bill B /bus on June 23, 2010, 06:54:04 PM
Assuming 12V, nominal, panels?
Wire in series. Less current flow that way. Then use an MPPT controller from Outback, Blue Sky etc. I am familiar with the Outback MX60. Changes the voltage to as selected by user. The higher the voltage the better the MPPT controller works, efficiency.
I have 4 panels,180watts, at 24V nominal in series/parallel for controller input of 48V, as high as 65.4V.  Maximum current I was noticed on the controller was 25.5 amps. That is close to theoretical maximum.
Make sure you get a remote display as you want the controller as close as possible to the battery bank.
That's a quick and dirty expose of solar controllers and panels.
Goggle Jack Mayer as he has a great website with a clear presentation of solar power and its pitfalls and advantages.
If i knew to import web addresses I'd provide the link.
Bill