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Newps · 04-28-2021, 05:45 PM

I was talking with a buddy about charge controllers and there was some confusion. Assume the Victron 100/30 is installed. Let's say you install four 200 watt panels and wire them in series/parallel so the system puts out a max of 40.8 volts and 19.6 amps.

As long as you're below 100 volts and 30 amps what difference does it make how many watts the panels put out? The manual for the Victron says nominal PV power 440 watts.

atreis · 04-28-2021, 06:13 PM

Amps is amps output at the output voltage (14.something ...). The specs in the manual usually list maximum total wattage, which would be 30x14(ish), or probably around 450 watts. Whether you go series/parallel, all series, all parallel, the total wattage should be under that amount. Being able to do series mainly helps with wire losses and wire size needed.

[edit] just noticed, you said it listed 440 watts max.

vsheetz · 04-28-2021, 07:24 PM

The Victron controller will just limit a reasonable excess of current.

Over paneling is often done as seldom, if ever, does a solar array attain its rated max power. It's a short window in the day and year.

Flat mounting typically loses 10-15% from rated. Add low january sun can increase that to upwards of 50%.

The Victron controllers cannot have their PV voltage exceeded.

Newps · 04-28-2021, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

The Victron controller will just limit a reasonable excess of current.

Over paneling is often done as seldom, if ever, does a solar array attain its rated max power. It's a short window in the day and year.

Flat mounting typically loses 10-15% from rated. Add low january sun can increase that to upwards of 50%.

The Victron controllers cannot have their PV voltage exceeded.

So doing 600 watts in parallel(20V and 29 amps) sounds like it would work just fine.

Persistent · 04-28-2021, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newps

So doing 600 watts in parallel(20V and 29 amps) sounds like it would work just fine.

Volts X Amps = watts

You said the specs were 450 watts. Don't exceed 450 watts. Read the instructions. The manufacturer of the controller knows best.

I wish you good luck and happy trails ahead!