Need help choosing a charge controller

MEK1954
MEK1954 Registered Users Posts: 23 ✭✭
in General Solar Power Topics #1
I need help choosing a charge controller I have 8-195w panels connected in series/parallel for 48 volts (2 sets of 4 panels) and the batt bank is 4- 200 amhr AGM connected in parallel going to a 12v inverter.  I am sure I want to go with the outback FM80 but not sure if the 80 amp will be enough or should I split the array and use 2 FM60's.

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  • Raj174
    Raj174 Solar Expert Posts: 795 ✭✭✭✭
    edited December 2020 #2
    A single FM80 should work fine because they can handle being over paneled by 20 to 25%. When you take into consideration derating the array output 20 to 25% due to higher temperatures in direct sun, the most the charge controller will normally see is around 1200 watts. This would also result in higher power production in low light conditions. The system appears to be well balanced.
    4480W PV, MNE175DR-TR, MN Classic 150, Outback Radian GS4048A, Mate3, 51.2V 360AH nominal LiFePO4, Kohler Pro 5.2E genset.
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  • Vic
    Vic Solar Expert Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    MEK1954 said:
    I need help choosing a charge controller I have 8-195w panels connected in series/parallel for 48 volts (2 sets of 4 panels) and the batt bank is 4- 200 amhr AGM connected in parallel going to a 12v inverter.  I am sure I want to go with the outback FM80 but not sure if the 80 amp will be enough or should I split the array and use 2 FM60's.

    Hi MEK..,

    You might also consider the MidNite Classic 150 Charge Controller. Some info,  here:
    Microsoft PowerPoint - Classic (midnitesolar.com)

    A bit more expensive,  than the OB FM CCs,  but much more flexible,   and in a typical system,  it can cost less,  depending on the system requirements/design.

    2 cents worth, Vic
    Off Grid - Two systems -- 4 SW+ 5548 Inverters, Surrette 4KS25 1280 AH X2@48V, 11.1 KW STC PV, 4X MidNite Classic 150 w/ WBjrs, Beta KID on S-530s, MX-60s, MN Bkrs/Boxes.  25 KVA Polyphase Kubota diesel,  Honda Eu6500isa,  Eu3000is-es, Eu2000,  Eu1000 gensets.  Thanks Wind-Sun for this great Forum.
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Will fan noise be any consideration for the controller  ? the Midnight has some noisy fans, but mine is in an outbuilding
    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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