Is it necessary to fuse between panel and controller?

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John XW NY
John XW NY Solar Expert Posts: 50 ✭✭✭✭
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
Dear Guys,

I have a question regarding whether it is necessary to put a fuse between the solar panel and the charge controller? I am using one 120 watt panel which is rated up to 29 volts , which is conected to a WellSee Mppt 20 amp controller. It is to power a Sundanzer 12volt freezer with L16 type battery. I have fused everything else should i also put one between the panel and controller in case of power surge or lightning strike etc? It is cheap enough to do so maybe its a good idea. Any Input on that idea?? Thanks John
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #2
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    Re: Is it necessary to fuse between panel and controller?

    Fuses are always a good idea for protecting a circuit, but in this case it is not strictly necessary. You can put two panels in parallel on a charge controller before fusing becomes 'mandatory'.

    Fuses aren't lightning protection, and that is a whole 'nother area of discussion/argument.

    BTW, one 120 Watt panel isn't going to do much. Especially not towards charging a 12V bank of L16's which are 325-370 Amp/hrs. That's barely enough panel to produce 10 Amps under ideal conditions.
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  • John XW NY
    John XW NY Solar Expert Posts: 50 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
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    Re: Is it necessary to fuse between panel and controller?

    Hey Coot,

    Thanks 4 the advice but i think it may be a good idea anyway. The battery im using is only 185 ah Trojan 12 volts. The WellSee Mppt apears to be working well and considering what i paid for it i am kinda impressed so far. Ive only had it 3 days but seems to be working effectively keeping a good charge on the battery.
    Well See how it goes LOL.




    Jah Guide I and I. John XW NY
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #4
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    Re: Is it necessary to fuse between panel and controller?

    Glad to hear it's working for you so far. But remember there's more to charging a battery than just replacing the 'used' Amp/hrs. That part is fairly simple and can be done with almost any amount of power over the bank's self-discharge rate over any period of time. I'd be concerned about creating enough 'activity' in the cells to retard sulphation and keep the electrolyte mixed.

    And yes, fuses are good! :D It's important to have them between the CC and batteries too.
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