what is the maximum number of 100W panels I can connect to this controller 1. in series? 2. in parallel? 3. combination of series and parallel?
1722743
You can hook 4x100w in series or 2 sets of 2x100w in series/parallel with this controller. Adjust your fusing and wiring accordingly. I intend to add the extra 2x100w in parallel with the existing 2x100w set I have. I should mention that my system is setup to run as 24v (panels, batteries, controller and inverter (240vac out)).
1722744
From memory, I think it's three. Although in my case, even on a cool day in summer, I was never seeing these panels hit their stated max output, so I went ahead and connected up four, wiring them as two sets of two panels in series, with the outputs from each set connected together in parallel to try and keep voltage down and amps up (which allows the controller to do less converting and therefore perform more efficiently). Needed the extra capacity to make winter. Do note that this set up could definitely overdrive the controller on a cool, sunny day if things are operating at peak, so make sure to fuse correctly after checking the max input rating of the controller. From memory, I think it's three. Although in my case, even on a cool day in summer, I was never seeing these panels hit their stated max output, so I went ahead and connected up four, wiring them as two sets of two panels in series, with the outputs from each set connected together in parallel to try and keep voltage down and amps up (which allows the controller to do less converting and therefore perform more efficiently). Needed the extra capacity to make winter. Do note that this set up could definitely overdrive the controller on a cool, sunny day if things are... » Read More From memory, I think it's three. Although in my case, even on a cool day in summer, I was never seeing these panels hit their stated max output, so I went ahead and connected up four, wiring them as two sets of two panels in series, with the outputs from each set connected together in parallel to try and keep voltage down and amps up (which allows the controller to do less converting and therefore perform more efficiently). Needed the extra capacity to make winter. Do note that this set up could definitely overdrive the controller on a cool, sunny day if things are operating at peak, so make sure to fuse correctly after checking the max input rating of the controller. « Show Less
1722745
its a 20 amp controller watts = volts X amps. So, 12 volts X 20 amps = 240 watts, so you can only hook up 2 - 100 watt panels.
409642
If you are using 4 panels with this kit it only uses a 20 amp controller. You must be using a 24v battery bank to use up to 400 watts. Can you explain your situation a little more? We are a bit confused with what setup you have. Thank you. AW
2233948
There are two types of charge controllers; PWM and MPPT. I have 3x 100w panels ran in parallel to triple my charge amperage. This maintains the panels at 12v, but triples the amperage. I have a 30a charge regulator, which is PWM. I have read, though, that MPPT is the newest and best charging technology available. The PWM regulators are cheaper, but you get what you pay for. My next charge regulator will definitely be a MPPT. Google it. You'll figure out the difference between to two. Just be sure that you size your regulator bigger than your solar panel array for room to grow, and so that you don't constantly put your charge regulator under too much stress from incoming amperage. Here's the charge regulator I purchased http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/46835087/789550567/TomTop-30A-12V-24V-Intelligent-LCD-PWM-Solar-Charge-Controller-Solar-Panel-Battery-Regulator/ListingDetails.html?_%24ja=tsid:13315|cat:46835087|prd:46835087&ef_id=Udt8FQAABKfxcsgO:20130709151438:s It works well, but now is starting to be a little troublesome with the display just after 9 months of use. Spend a little more money and get one that is MPPT, and make sure you have an LCD screen. It's nice to know the charge, draw, and basic voltage of your battery bank.
1447154
I'm a little unsure of your question but by "these" if you mean controllers, I would assume you have solar panels exceeding the 40 amp capacity of a single controller. I think you could connect any number of them you wanted to in parallel each controlling its own set of solar panels. At some point I suppose you could reach the limit of your battery bank's ability to accept any more current though.
1680254
we have to 120 volt panels hooked up to a 30 amp Sunforce controller. I should say for every two panels we have a 30 amp controller
1283051
NO each controller can only handle 12 volt x 30 amp or 360 wattyour 4 panels will put out 580 watt If you use it in a 24 volt system it can handle 720 watts but it has a max input of 30 voltsso 2 controllers for your setup or get a higher amp controller if you plan to add
1373853
I have not tried this and wonder why you want to unless you have too much power for one. They do make a controllers that works up to sixty amps. I don't know how you want to wire this. Using separate panels is the only thing I can guess. I use my meter every day to read the total amps going to my batteries and the voltage at any given time. The lights on the front of the controller tell you most things about the system but not the voltage or the current. The voltage tells you how close you are to a full charge. If you have two sets of panels you would need two controllers with two meters. Hope this helps. I have not tried this and wonder why you want to unless you have too much power for one. They do make a controllers that works up to sixty amps. I don't know how you want to wire this. Using separate panels is the only thing I can guess. I use my meter every day to read the total amps going to my batteries and the voltage at any given time. The lights on the front of the controller tell you most things about the system but not the voltage or the current. The voltage tells you how close you are to a full charge. If you have two sets of panels you would need two controllers with two meters.... » Read More I have not tried this and wonder why you want to unless you have too much power for one. They do make a controllers that works up to sixty amps. I don't know how you want to wire this. Using separate panels is the only thing I can guess. I use my meter every day to read the total amps going to my batteries and the voltage at any given time. The lights on the front of the controller tell you most things about the system but not the voltage or the current. The voltage tells you how close you are to a full charge. If you have two sets of panels you would need two controllers with two meters. Hope this helps. « Show Less
1042251
Just because the panels are 100 w each dosen'T mean you will receive 100w all the time. 100w is the best you are going to get at top conditions. perfect alinment, perfect sky, alinement faceing sun all the day, so don't expect 100w all the time. There could be a haze between you and the sun,Wire size, conectors , if you are using it to charge batteries, Every thing can efect your wattage.
117612
My understanding is that 4 panels can be linked together but no more without having a separate controller. Call the company, their customer support is amazing.
1311913
You can connect at least 8 solar panels of 100watts each and I have 15 deep cycle batteries on that. You need cables mostly and maybe some safety fuses if you want.
351027
each panel is 250 watt 24vdc 1000 watt total at 24vdc i'm running 3 600 watt grid inverters now i'm going to buy a 3500 watt grid tie inverter soon
1947252
I would connect up no more than 400 watts of panels. In my experience, these inverters are not conservatively rated. You are especially at risk when the sun first strikes the panels on a very cold day. Stay with 400 or less and you will be fine. I tried connecting (2) 280 watt panels and the inverter fried. This is fairly common. Check on Utube for similar experiences.
1074720
You don't need another 30 amp controller. 2 more panels would only put you at 28 amps, and I've never seen a panel that puts out its advertised amperage anyway.
830728
It's rated at 20amp. Each of these panels are rated at 5.7amps. It should handle 2 panels, perhaps 3. I would think 4 panels would begin to limit the amperage. You can also use multiple charge controllers rather than trying to attach a larger array of panels to a single controller.
1283048
A 30A Charge controller WILL be adequate and will work but it is a narrow margin for your 145 watt panels. I estimated the amperage on your panels @ 7.25 amps each, that put you right at 29 amps. Barring any solar fluxes that might tip the controller to temp shut down you should be ok.
2228315
I've been running one for about a year now, no problems except I was using the load output to control some outside lighting (on at dusk, off at dawn) and it seemed to get confused and was turning the lights on and off randomly. I disconnected it and let it sit for a day and then reconnected it and it has been working correctly since. I am running a 100 WATT 12V panel into it, are you staying within the maximum input power and voltage levels (12v/260W or 24v/520W) specified?
2224662
You need to put them in parallel Each panel added in parallel adds its amp rating to the system Each added in series adds its volt rating to the system For example two panels in parallel with 9 amp rating will make 18 amps and 18.5 mmp In series it produce double voltage but only 9 amps. Unless you use a mppt charge controller. Connecting these two panels in series will also work but you would be just as well off with only one panel