Solar Controller Connections

[Dave100456]

Hi
I have searched threads for this topic and managed to confuse myself by reading too much, so comment on my proposal please.

On my CBE distribution fuse box I have the following three ‘positives’; B1 as engine batt. B2 as domestic batt and a terminal labelled “Out” which is connected to the 12v feed from the AC charger.

I’m thinking that I can connect the solar controller charging output to this “Out” terminal where effectively it’ll be in parallel with the AC charger.
Am I missing something?
Also, does anyone know what role does the the 30 amp fuse labelled solar in the CBE box do?

Thanks

 

[Off da Grid]

It would imply that to me also. Assume there is a common neutral.

 

[XxAnthxX]

Dave100456
Your van and CBE unit is probably pre-wired for solar and the fuse is the protection for it.

You‘ll probably find two 4mm cables in a high level cupboard with a false back, that’s where mine were.

There was one for the live from the controller back to the CBE and a common negative rail in there.

I’ll look for the diagram which shows which pin on one of the big multi plugs in the CBE is where the 4mm2 feed goes to.

On my CBE 300 pin 1 on socket D was the 4mm solar + cable that was in the cupboard, protected by fuse F7.
Your unit may well be different but you get the idea.

 

[Dave100456]

Dave100456
Your van and CBE unit is probably pre-wired for solar and the fuse is the protection for it.

You‘ll probably find two 4mm cables in a high level cupboard, that’s where mine were.

There was one for the live from the controller back to the CBE and a common negative rail in there.

I’ll look for the diagram which shows which pin on one of the big multi plugs in the CBE is where the 4mm2 feed goes to.

View attachment 428486
On my CBE 300 pin 1 on socket D was the 4mm solar + cable that was in the cupboard, protected by fuse F7.
Your unit may well be different but you get the idea.

Thanks for your input.
Yes, I have seen two unused thickish wires behind the PC380 display which I guessed were the factory pre-wire for PVs.

It would be good to incorporate my solar into the PC380 display, however, I'm unfamiliar with the CBE kit and without a circuit diagram and also using a Victron controller, I'm in the dark how it should all marry up.

Hence, I thought the best plan was to wire the solar 'independently' especially given the bluetooth communication offered by the Victron which will allow me to see and record real time charging levels.

Does your setup use a CBE solar charge controller and is the solar info displayed on the PC380?
Cheers
Dave

 

[XxAnthxX]

Does your setup use a CBE solar charge controller and is the solar info displayed on the PC380?

Nah my van controller is only a PC180, I put a Bluetooth Victron smartsolar controller in the false cupboard and tied it back to the existing cables to reduce the cable run to the CBE 300/Battery by using the cables that were already there for It.

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[Dave100456]

Understood.
Thanks