Adding panels...

pabloesguapo
pabloesguapo Solar Expert Posts: 116 ✭✭
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
I'm planning on adding 9 more panels to my array.  Do I have to change any parameters on my charge controller(s)? 
27 Kyocera panels, 6,500w
24 CG2 6v batteries, 48v, 630Ah
Midnite Classic 150 & Classic 150 Lite in "follow me" mode
(2) Outback fx3648 inverters
Generac ecogen 6kw backup generator
Mate3s
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,637 admin
    #2
    I don't believe you have to configure the Midnite controllers differently...

    Of course, the new panels need to be properly connected in series/parallel to match the existing array and the controllers' maximum input voltage (voltage open circuit cold).

    And how much headroom do you have with your present controllers/array... Typically for a Midnite classic on 48 volt battery bank, the maximum output current is 83 Amps:
    • 83 Amps * 58 volts charging * 1/0.77 panel+controller deratings = 6,252 Watts per controller suggested "cost effective" maximum
    Midnite's Classic sizing tool:

    http://www.midnitesolar.com/sizingTool/index.php

    240 Watt panels?
    • 18 panels per controller * 240 Watts * 0.77 panel+controller derating * 1/58 volts charging = 57.4 amps typical best case cool/clear near noon harvest
    Looks OK with two Classic Controllers.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    You need to make sure you don't overload the charge controllers.   But, no settings would need to be changed.
    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 ,

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