Solar query

[sonny]

Hi all I’m just getting ready to fit a 400w solar panel what size victron smart mppt control unit do you think I should get my van is a sprinter 2002 with split charge and a 110a leisure battery
Thank you ps are the solar panels fitted to houses different from the ones on motorhomes

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

400 w seems a bit large for 1 MH panel.those for mhomes have built in diodes whereas the home ones don't,so I understand.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Victron Energy Smart Solar MPPT 100V/30A - (12/24V)

SCC110030210 - These ultra-fast, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), solar charge controllers are Bluetooth accessible via either built in Bluetooth or the Victron Energy Bluetooth dongle. Utilising the free VictronConnect app many parameters can be viewed and set, such as battery voltage...

www.sunshinesolar.co.uk

 

[autorouter]

Thank you ps are the solar panels fitted to houses different from the ones on motorhomes

Many panels on MHs are 18 to 24V. The large house panels are usually higher voltage, around 35V, and are becoming more popular on MHs. Some of the lower power solar controllers have quite a low input voltage limit (eg 32V) and are unsuitable for larger higher voltage panels. The one in Richard n Ann 's post has a 100V input limit, so is fine for any single panel.

400W is for ideal test conditions. In reality, when flat on the roof you are unlikely to see even 80% of that, ie 27A, so the 30A output current limit is fine.

 

[sonny]

Thankyou all but another question ref photos is it safe having battery and gas connections so close these were all done in 2006 I was thinking of adding another battery and positioning them in the rear (storage) area of the van

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[Raul]

400 w seems a bit large for 1 MH panel.those for mhomes have built in diodes whereas the home ones don't,so I understand.

The 400w commercial panel will wipe the floor with any combination of small 100w types. Also the diodes fitted in the 400w will be far better quality than the leisure ones. These are accredited and homologated panels to withstand stress in a 1000v array with ease. The small panels in the past did not have diodes, they nicked the practice from the commercial panels where the diodes is mandatory to pass accreditation.

 

[sonny]

Just checked the price of a victron controller to handle a 400w panel I think it will be to expensive for me I will see if my supplier can get a smaller panel

 

[cmcardle75]

Just checked the price of a victron controller to handle a 400w panel I think it will be to expensive for me I will see if my supplier can get a smaller panel

You can slightly undersize the controller with Victron, provided you don't go over voltage. Overcurrent is not an issue, as it will just discard any current over its capacity. i.e. you lose some power in full sun, but who cares then, as you've got plenty to throw away.

 

[sonny]

Change of mind 115w panel with victron mppt from callidus thanks for all help

 

[Richard n Ann]

Change of mind 115w panel with victron mppt from callidus thanks for all help

Should be plenty for normal use ie charging phones, lighting, water pump and bit of TV. You'll get 5 or 6 amps charge rate

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