Charge Controller Sizing / Panel / Array wiring

Hi All - 

I am new to the 12V side of solar for my RV, cant stand the generator. So what I have so far is four (4) 275w panels ( 38.6 Voc, 31.50 Vmp, 8.74 Ipm), a 2000w Inverter charger, and three (3) 150ah / 12V AGM telecom batteries ( I have the ability to get more should I want)  and of course all of the necessary wiring etc ... My last piece of the puzzle is a charge controller and how to wire up the panels. 

I have been looking towards the Midnite Solar charge controllers as I think @ 12v I'm pushing into high wattage territory. I have outback controllers in the house and like them but am thinking the Midnite Solar may fit this use case better.  

Are there any charge controllers I am overlooking ? 

Does anyone have any thoughts ? Insight would be greatly appreciated. 

Comments

  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have my 12v system (4x250w panels) wired as 2 series strings of 2 into a classic 150 which works well.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • Photowhit
    Photowhit Solar Expert Posts: 6,002 ✭✭✭✭✭
    At 4 x 275watt panels, you seam to be close to maxing out any charge controller at 12 volts, the math may seem odd. 

    1100 watts of panels will only put out about 75% of their panel rating in normal every day conditions. If you look for a spec sheet .pdf for your panels look for the Normal Operating Cell Temperature Values, NOCT values. These will be roughly 75% of the name plate value. Also even if you allow your battery to go down to 50% state of charge, or about 12 volts,  you need a voltage about 10% higher than that to effectively charge the battery bank.

    So the math looks more like 1100 watts x 75% to arrive at NOCT value = 825 watts / 13 volts = @63.5 amps

    While I like the Midnite classic and use them at home, they do have internal fans to cool the electronics. For a Camper, I'd suggest a Morning Star TS 60 MPPT. It has no internal fan and used large cooling fins instead.  You might be slightly over paneled for it, but that is not bad at all.

    https://www.solar-electric.com/motr60ampmps.html


    Home system 4000 watt (Evergreen) array standing, with 2 Midnite Classic Lites,  Midnite E-panel, Magnum MS4024, Prosine 1800(now backup) and Exeltech 1100(former backup...lol), 660 ah 24v Forklift battery(now 10 years old). Off grid for 20 years (if I include 8 months on a bicycle).
    - Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
  • SupraLance
    SupraLance Registered Users Posts: 21 ✭✭
    Don't forget that you can use two charge controllers, with two panels on each, into the same battery bank.  In addition to saving you money in some cases, this also allows you to tilt the panels differently or better account for partial shading.
  • myocardia
    myocardia Solar Expert Posts: 118 ✭✭✭
    edited February 2018 #5
    Don't forget that you can use two charge controllers, with two panels on each, into the same battery bank.  In addition to saving you money in some cases, this also allows you to tilt the panels differently or better account for partial shading.
    Remember that this not possible with most MPPT controllers. It's possible with as many PWM as you want to use together, or one MPPT plus as many PWM as you want, but only the best MPPT controllers will let you use two of them together, as long as you put them in a master-slave configuration. The Midnite controllers, the better Outback controllers, and a few of the Schneider controllers are the only MPPTs, as far as I know. I may very well have forgotten a manufacturer, though. I'm a wee bit forgetful in my old age!

    edit: I'm going to go make sure, but I may have forgotten some of the better/more expensive Morningstars.
    DoD= depth of discharge= amount removed from that battery   SoC= state of charge= amount remaining in that battery
    So, 0% DoD= 100% SoC, 25% DoD= 75% SoC, 50% DoD= 50% SoC, 75% DoD= 25% SoC, 100% DoD= 0% SoC
    A/C= air conditioning AC= alternating current (what comes from the outlets in your home) DC= direct current (what batteries & solar panels use)
  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 2018 #6
    myocardia said:
    Don't forget that you can use two charge controllers, with two panels on each, into the same battery bank.  In addition to saving you money in some cases, this also allows you to tilt the panels differently or better account for partial shading.
    Remember that this not possible with most MPPT controllers. It's possible with as many PWM as you want to use together, or one MPPT plus as many PWM as you want, but only the best MPPT controllers will let you use two of them together, as long as you put them in a master-slave configuration. The Midnite controllers, the better Outback controllers, and a few of the Schneider controllers are the only MPPTs, as far as I know. I may very well have forgotten a manufacturer, though. I'm a wee bit forgetful in my old age!

    edit: I'm going to go make sure, but I may have forgotten some of the better/more expensive Morningstars.


    Two MPPT controllers cannot share the same array, but can feed into a common battery as long as the settings are the same and wired/fused independently to prevent conflict. Even two controllers from different manufacturers would work, again settings the same, or very close. Some systems as you say can communicate which is a good feature but not absolutely necessary.

    https://www.morningstarcorp.com/parallel-charging-using-multiple-controllers-separate-pv-arrays/
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have two classic mppts and a morningstar pwm on 48v bank. The classics are master/slave, but the MS isn't. Each controller has its own array. Works fine.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    As long as each CC (PWM or MPPT)  has it's own PV array, you can several feed a battery.  SOMETIMES a noisy PWM can disturb a MPPT sensing and it does not charge well, but thats a case by case basis.  Most good PWM have a Low Noise selector switch
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • tr0y
    tr0y Solar Expert Posts: 99 ✭✭✭
    Hi All - 

    Thanks for the input. I ended up going with the Midnite Solar 150 charge controller, thanks NAWS for great service, it seems to handle everything I need and actually then some. Should I want another panel, overkill yes but with super cheap panels and a big roof why not. 

    Next is thoughts on panel wiring, thoughts anyone ? I was thinking series, is there any reason, maybe redundancy,  I should not just wire all four panels in one string ? 
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
     simulate your proposed configuration in the midnight sizer
    See if 4 panels will over-volt and void your warranty


    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • tr0y
    tr0y Solar Expert Posts: 99 ✭✭✭
    Thanks Mike, according to Midnite and NAWS the Classic 150 will deal with 1400W @12v so I have a decent amount of headroom on the controller. Thoughts on panel configuration ? 
  • Photowhit
    Photowhit Solar Expert Posts: 6,002 ✭✭✭✭✭
    tr0y said:
    Thanks Mike, according to Midnite and NAWS the Classic 150 will deal with 1400W @12v so I have a decent amount of headroom on the controller. Thoughts on panel configuration ? 
    That is the wattage it will handle, in series the voltage adds, in a 12 volt system the Classic 150 has a max incoming working voltage of 150 volts. It has a max incoming voltage until the voltage can damage the controller of 162, in a 12 volt setup.

    Generally the higher the incoming voltage the harder the controller must work. Usually the sweet spot is about 2x the system voltage. If you have more than 2 strings you would normally want a combiner box. I would do 4 panels as 2  sets of 2 in series, and use branch connectors to combine them on the roof and just bring 2 wires to the charge controller.
    Home system 4000 watt (Evergreen) array standing, with 2 Midnite Classic Lites,  Midnite E-panel, Magnum MS4024, Prosine 1800(now backup) and Exeltech 1100(former backup...lol), 660 ah 24v Forklift battery(now 10 years old). Off grid for 20 years (if I include 8 months on a bicycle).
    - Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    tr0y said:
    .......
    Next is thoughts on panel wiring, thoughts anyone ? I was thinking series, is there any reason, maybe redundancy,  I should not just wire all four panels in one string ? 
    1) 4 panels in series, puts your Voc @ 154.4V @ 70F.    Not good.
    2) more than 2 or 3x your battery voltage, and you dissipate a lot of heat in the controller

    If you want to use 4 panels in your system, wired 2s2p would be the best
    I have so far is four (4) 275w panels ( 38.6 Voc, 31.50 Vmp, 8.74 Ipm)

    1100watts / 12V  = 91A, right at the limit! but hopefully you won't be hitting that very often, but you do need to use some really heavy wire between the controller and the batteries.  Find out what the controller terminals will accept (it was not real good in the early versions, they may have beefed it up some now.).





    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    > @tr0y said:

    > Next is thoughts on panel wiring, thoughts anyone ? I was thinking series, is there any reason, maybe redundancy,  I should not just wire all four panels in one string ? 

    Two reasons:

    - As mentioned, all in one string could be pushing voltage limitations in the controller.

    - Especially in a mobile application, shade could be an issue. With a series string, even minor shading (like a nearby overhead wire) can severely limit output for the entire string. In parallel, only the shaded panels (string) is affected. Also, in a mobile application, distances from pv to controller tend to be short, so the cost of using heavier wire to carry higher currents in parallel tends to be low.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Two panels in series. And those 2 strings connected in parallel.

    Gives you a solar array with:

    2xVmp
    2xImp

    Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • scrubjaysnest
    scrubjaysnest Solar Expert Posts: 175 ✭✭✭
    I run my panels in parallel because of shading when camping. Out west series is fine.
  • ScoobyMike
    ScoobyMike Registered Users Posts: 37 ✭✭
    mike95490 said:
      Find out what the controller terminals will accept (it was not real good in the early versions, they may have beefed it up some now.).
    I just downloaded read the Classic manual, they now can take up to 4 AWG.

    1.2KW off grid system; 2 strings of 2ea 305W 60 cell panels on a redneck ground mount;  MNPV3 combiner feeds a MN Classic 150 located 100' away;  12V 460AH FLA battery bank powers a cabin-wide 12V DC system as well as a Cotek 700W PSW inverter; Honda EU2000i  and IOTA 55A charger bridge cloudy days and a Champion 3800W generator for short duration, power hungry appliances.

  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    only 4 ga, that's about 80A wire for a 90+ amp controller.    I was hoping that had been improved
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    edited March 2018 #20
    Sometimes the maximum  size of the wiring is determined by the volume of the wiring compartment rather than the actual capacity of the terminal, in order to comply with the electrical code regarding wire fill, Morningstar is very generous, Schneider very tight, conductor bend radius may also play a part, I've no idea what Midnight controllers are like, but perhaps this is a factor. Can anyone comment?
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
    5Kw Yanmar clone single cylinder air cooled diesel generator for rare emergency charging and welding.
  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Midnite is okay for space in the wiring compartment for pv in and battery out (a bit less than my morningstar pwms) with knockouts located so tight radius turns inside are avoidable. My classics (c.2013) terminals are definitely max 4ga (4ga solid, stranded 4ga is really tight). I only use short lengths of it to DC buss bars.
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • Photowhit
    Photowhit Solar Expert Posts: 6,002 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have 4 gauge and a tight bend and even the older/original type which has a fixed cover. The newer ones pop off to make installation easier. It was tight but manageable. I believe 4 gauge is rated for 95 amps (THHN) in conduit, up to 90°c.

    Most people will have very short runs out of the charge controller to a breaker, then a short run to a bus bar attached to a heavier cable headed to their battery bank. 

    One of the reasons I like to suggest Morningstar for RV's is they don't use fans for cooling.
    Home system 4000 watt (Evergreen) array standing, with 2 Midnite Classic Lites,  Midnite E-panel, Magnum MS4024, Prosine 1800(now backup) and Exeltech 1100(former backup...lol), 660 ah 24v Forklift battery(now 10 years old). Off grid for 20 years (if I include 8 months on a bicycle).
    - Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.