Maximum open circuit voltage for C12

sid · July 2020

Inside the C12 battery charge controller enclosure it says that the maximum open circuit voltage of the device is 25vdc. I have a PV panel with open circuit voltage of 37vdc. Will the C12 blow up if I connect that panel, or will over-voltage protection shut off the PV circuit, or will it work, but only at 25v?

BB. · July 2020

Not sure what brand/model a C12 charge controller is... But generally, the maximum input voltage is based on the maximum ratings of the transistors being used. If it has an input limit of 25 volts--Then you should respect it using a "12 volt" solar panel (usually Voc~21 volts and Vmp~17.5 volts)...

A higher voltage can outright pop the transistor, or at least stress it and cause an early life failure.

-Bill

sid · July 2020

It’s made by Xantrex. Thanks for your sensible answer.

BB. · July 2020

The C12:

http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Accessories/C%20Series/DS20191219_C12%20PWM%20Datasheet.pdf

Xantrex has (or had) other Cxx series... The C40 is rated for much higher input voltage (125 VDC):

http://www.xantrex.com/documents/Accessories/C%20Series/DS20191219_C%20Series%20PWM%20Datasheet.pdf

So, there are other configurations/models out there...

Take care Sid,
-Bill

Maximum open circuit voltage for C12

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