Excess Power- where does it go?

System · April 2009

This may sound dumb but I need to know ....

I have 2X40 watt panels (parallel -12v) system using an Xantrex C35 charge controller keeping a pair of parallel 12v group 24 RV deep cycle batteries charged for a hunting camp in the fall. The panels produce a max current of approx 5 amps when charging a low battery.

After the batteries reach full charge, and in full sun, do the panels continue to produce current? If so, where does it go? Are any components in danger of damage in this scenario? Is some kind of load shed necessary with solar power or is that something necessary only with wind or generator? My knowledge is obviously limited. Please educate me.

Thanks!

n3qik · April 2009

Re: Excess Power- where does it go?

The solar charge controller will limit the amount of power to the battery. So there is no worry about anything going BOOM. Some of us here will, when the battery is full, turn on a load to use the extra energy.

I have a 250W heater that is used in the winter then in the summer I use a DIY geothermal cooler.

mike95490 · April 2009

Re: Excess Power- where does it go?

Thunder wrote: »

After the batteries reach full charge, and in full sun, do the panels continue to produce current? If so, where does it go? Are any components in danger of damage in this scenario?

With solar PV, the power not needed to charge the batteries, is not used, and left "inside" the PV panels. About the same as a flashlight, turned off - where's the power going? The charge controller manages that job. No damage. Solar needs no "Dump load"

Wind and some Hydro, DO need a dump load, and a specially configured controller to manage it.

Excess Power- where does it go?

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