24 volt hookup to 12 volt

System
System Posts: 2,511 admin
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
can a 24 volt panel be used in a 12 volt system with a 12 volt charge controler
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  • niel
    niel Solar Expert Posts: 10,300 ✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: 24 volt hookup to 12 volt

    it can, but it's not advisable to do so as losses would be very high if the controller can handle the higher voltage going through it unless as bb points out after me that it is mppt.
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,641 admin
    #3
    Re: 24 volt hookup to 12 volt

    Yes... But:
    1. If done with a PWM charge controller (cheap ones)--you will lose about 1/2 of the panel wattage when charging the battery bank
    2. If done with a MPPT charge controller (expensive ones)--Perfectly OK and can be the ideal solution for many people/setups (but price is still an issue).
    In any case, you need to look at the input voltage/current limitations of the charge controller and make sure your panel setup does not exceed the limits.

    All About Charge Controllers
    Read this page about power tracking controllers

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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