320w panel question.

[JHC]

Jim, from your post of Feb 18, 2024: "I would highly recommend a different MPPT controller. With 3x320w panels you have the potential to be 20% over the rated max for that controller." Or did I misread your post?

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Jim, from your post of Feb 18, 2024: "I would highly recommend a different MPPT controller. With 3x320w panels you have the potential to be 20% over the rated max for that controller." Or did I misread your post?

I tend to buy/install for the numbers, but some feel it is ok to over voltage the MPPT controller, as it wil simply ignore the over voltage. I like to grab all the power I can, so if I know my panels can/will product more voltage, I want a controller that can use it. Now...hittnig the max 320 watts that panel is rated for is hardly ever going to happen. These are BEST CASE lab tests. My guess you will see 290....mabye 300.

 

[JHC]

Question: can a portable 200W solar panel be plugged into the MPPT controller to add additional solar charging if the rig is under shade?

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Question: can a portable 200W solar panel be plugged into the MPPT controller to add additional solar charging if the rig is under shade?

I would advise againt it. You might exceed your limits, with the portable. For $67 you can get the Victron 75/15 MPPT controller....then dedicate that to your portable panels. This is exactly how I have my 2x100 portable panels working on our system.

 

[JHC]

So the Victron 75/12 MPPT controller would be wired into the 3 LiFPO Renoge batteries?

 

[Oregon_Camper]

So the Victron 75/12 MPPT controller would be wired into the 3 LiFPO Renoge batteries?

Yes, into the same area the Renogy (from factory) is wired.

 

[Hotrodjohn]

Quick question. Can you wire the panels in series to the controller but your batteries and coach set up in parallel? I have 900 ah batteries and a generator with a 110 amp charger so I can charge rather fast with generator. Just wondering about upping my single 320 watt solar panel and Rover 40 that came with?

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Quick question. Can you wire the panels in series to the controller but your batteries and coach set up in parallel? I have 900 ah batteries and a generator with a 110 amp charger so I can charge rather fast with generator. Just wondering about upping my single 320 watt solar panel and Rover 40 that came with?

Yep....the output of the solar, is sent to the MPPT controller, which will send ~14v battery bank.

 

[1911LVR]

Amps are pulled while voltage is pushed. Having higher solar panel amps is called 'over paneling' and is an acceptable practice. The controller will pull whatever amps the panels can provide, up to it's limit.