Updating my solar system

nschizzano
nschizzano Registered Users Posts: 35 ✭✭
in General Solar Power Topics #1
I have a 12v system, powered by a 600w array. The array is 6 individual 100w panels daisy-chained in series. Pretty old 8g cables ran 75 feet. To a 2yr old Litime Non blue tooth charge controller (60A -12v/24v/48v), then to a pure sine 12v samlex 2000w inverter.

I have about 12 more panels purchased and ready sitting in the garage. My plan is to have a total of about 22, 100w panels (2200w) and 10kw 48v battery bank on a 48v system. Im no pro so idk what im missing or how it looks in detail exactly. 

Im wondering what gauge cables will i need and how to wire these panels together to make 48v. And am I missing anything? Will my charge controller work

Or Should I utilize a 24v system?

I dont mind investing a fair bit into this system as long as it is high quality, safe, it lasts long, and primarily so I do not have to run the generator at all or very, very little in the winter months. 

We do not draw much power for out little yurt home, mostly none all day, charge our phones, and watch some movies at night. Pulling 200w max at night. BUT we got a water distiller and that pulls 750w for 4- 7hrs per day. I think Thats up to 5.2kw per day. So that makes things kind of challenging. 

(Other various and random things like makita, milwakee, ebike batteries charging at random times, and a 990w air conditioner when its super hot) but in summer and these small batteries etc are not much concern 

Also a 500w well pump but that only gets run for very short periods of time

Respectfully
-Nick & Crystal 
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • manzanita2
    manzanita2 Registered Users Posts: 31 ✭✭
    #2
    I don't know about your 2yr old charge controller, but the newer Litime 60amp CC's are limited to a maximum input PV voltage of 150 volts. If you get cold winter temps, be sure to keep your string array voltage lower so the cold temps won't push you over 150v.
    Sol-Ark 12, 3 Pytes V5 100ah batteries, currently six REC 420w panels installed. Ten more panels waiting to be installed.
    · Share on Twitter
  • manzanita2
    manzanita2 Registered Users Posts: 31 ✭✭
    edited September 9 #3
    Beans. I didn't note the input current limits. Had to find the page again.  

    Exceeding the 150v input limit can quickly destroy your charge controller. Exceeding the current by a modest amount usually doesn't end in failure. But I have no experience with Litime.
    The same specs for a new controller say:
    Rated Charging Current：60A(input)
    Rated Load Current：30A(output)

    They also recommend various PV wattage limits depending on your battery voltage.
    870W/12V, 1740W/24V 2610W/36V, 3480W/48V.   <-- these values suggest they do not want to exceed 72.5 amps of input current. 

    The new Litime controllers can be used to charge various batteries:
    LiFePO4: 12V/24V/36V/48V   Lead Acid: 12V/24V/36V/48V/Auto
    So you have to set the voltage for the lithium batteries, but it can figure the lead acid voltages out itself.

    So converting your system to a higher battery voltage will allow your charge controller to control and deliver more power. 

    I don't know if any of these specs are true for your older charge controller. If you can, verify that they are valid for your controller.

    Wiring selection depends on how many amps you're running through them and how long the wires are.
    Sol-Ark 12, 3 Pytes V5 100ah batteries, currently six REC 420w panels installed. Ten more panels waiting to be installed.
    · Share on Twitter

Categories