Would this be suitable to isolate my 270watt solar panel from the controller for occasional maintenance work ? Or is there something better I should consider?
Solar panel isolation
- Thread starter Itsmcb
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- Feb 22, 2011
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Why not just pull the fuse out ?
OP
OP
There is no fuse on the cable from the panel to the charge controller, I have one at the battery end of the 12v cable coming out of the controller but would like to be able isolate the controller from the panel.
Stealaway
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See the thread removing solar panels. I think you find the perfect solution
OP
OP
I've just searched for 'removing solar panels' but nothings come up?
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- Feb 22, 2011
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I'd be inclined to fit an inline fuse, easy future isolation and some protection too !
Or you could just cover panels with cardboard to stop a current during maintenence
Or you could just cover panels with cardboard to stop a current during maintenence
Just to let you know what you may know already; these type of breakers will not protect your panels at all. As a switch yes will work fine. They have thermal slow break characteristic suitable for overload and short only, it will take a bit more current over the rated to trip. The panels are protected with only ultra fast blow gPV characteristic fuses. They are cartridge 10x38mm and reside in a fuse holder.
If you only use it as a switch is perfectly fine. Works well on a inverter as a breaker, with the appropriate cables.
If you only use it as a switch is perfectly fine. Works well on a inverter as a breaker, with the appropriate cables.
I use these
Amazon product ASIN B074RJR1JT
50 amp is probably too big for 270 watts they do a 20 as well, I think the voltage of your panel comes into it when deciding what size you need.
- Apr 27, 2008
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This is what I use also. A 30A on both panel to controller and controller to batteries.
A 270w panel its max series string 15a FUSE, and for any meaningful protection a 10a is more than enough. Make sure size of cable can take the amps. As I said, these thermal breakers will not protect a PV panel, but fine as switch.
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OP
OP
Thanks everyone, It's purely to function as a switch so I've gone with my original choice as it fits the available space better than the longer version suggested above.
I see the panel as a disposable item I'm more interested in protecting the rest of the system if the panel gets damaged or fails, I think these will serve that purpose?
It won’t, the panel is a source of power and part of the system. I will show you with photos a bit later, and explain in detail why. In a fault scenario, the weakest line gives up and if that weak link is part of design( fuse), then you are in control where to direct the fault.
I’m moving some panels as we speak, coincidently dealing with these type of faults. Will be back once done.
I’m moving some panels as we speak, coincidently dealing with these type of faults. Will be back once done.
Fuse/circuitbreaker protection for one or two solar panels is not required. Any fuse or circuit breaker that will carry the current from the panels at full output will not trip if the panel wiring is shorted. Solar panels are not like batteries, which store large amounts of power and can dump it very quickly, causing a fire. Shorting a single solar panel is no big problem.
However some kind of switch or isolator is a good idea, and a circuit breaker or fuse is as good as anything for this purpose.
However some kind of switch or isolator is a good idea, and a circuit breaker or fuse is as good as anything for this purpose.
If you got a panel or two max, as Autorouter mentioned a fuse is not necessary. When you got 3 or more it needs to be fused each one. If one fails the others dump the power in the faulty one and can burn. I had to re arrange a four string array with burns on the cells. The reason was shade on one string and bypass diodes have started to fail.
Had a long day
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Stealaway
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