Here we know the power is 3,000 Watts, the battery bank is 48 volts, so: To determine the output current that the charge controller will have to handle we use the very basic formula for power in Watts: MPPT charge controllers are rated by the output amperage that they can handle, not the input current from the solar module array. from 12 to 24 or 48 volts), you will decrease the current going through the wires by half each time which means you use much less copper, saving you money.Įxample of Sizing an MPPT Charge Controllerįor example, you could have a 3,000-watt solar module array that operates at 93.3 volts DC and your battery bank is 48 volts DC. Many times a solar module array can be over a 100 feet away (or more!) from the charge controller, keeping the cost of the wiring down to a minimum is usually an important target for the whole project. A big advantage to having a higher voltage solar module array is that you can use smaller gauge wiring into the charge controller.
MPPT Charge Controllers have the added benefit of saving you a little bit of cash on wiring costs. The MPPT charge controller by design converts the higher voltage down to the lower voltage.
The primary feature of this technology is that it allows you to have a solar module array with a much higher voltage than your battery bank's voltage. However, this school of thought is no longer commonly used as more efficient charging technology called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) has become widely available on many models of charge controllers. In the past, you would assume that the nominal voltage of your battery and your solar module array would be the same and that you would also choose that voltage for your charge controller. Top: Schneider Electric’s Conext MPPT 60 150 Charge Controllerīottom: Outback Power's FlexMax 60, an MPPT Charge Controller This would allow you to expand the size of your system later on down the road if your load demands change or you find you need a little more power. There is no problem going with a larger controller, other than the additional cost. We migrate over to our catalog and we find a 30-amp controller, which is a very close match. Therefore we increase the charge controller amperage by a margin of 25% bringing our minimum controller amperage to 20.13. Certain factors such as light reflection or cloud effect at irregular intervals can increase current levels. Amperage ratings normally run from 1 amp to 80 amps, voltages from 6-600 volts.įor example, if one module in your 48-volt system produces 8.05 amps and two parallel strings of modules are used, your system will produce 16.1 amps at 48 volts. Most common are 12, 24, and 48-volt controllers. Solar charge controllers are rated and sized by the solar module array current and system voltage.
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Greentech Renewables can advise you on everything from optimizing your current system, to how to install your solar modules, to choosing the right equipment tailored to your needs. You'll need to choose an option that is scalable and appropriate for your power needs, as well as making sure that you have ample battery storage for the solar modules you have selected to install. Your solar charge controller is an item well worth investing in and researching as you design your system. In addition, you will be protecting your battery bank and thereby you protect yourself from any unforeseen and needless replacement costs. By optimizing the power coming in from your solar modules, you will get that much closer to offset your use of traditional grid power or another source of energy. Selecting an efficient and properly designed charge controller is key to the longevity and efficiency of your entire battery-based photovoltaic (PV) system.
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