question

Wilder West Vic avatar image
Wilder West Vic asked

Upgrading Panels on a small system.

I run a victron 100/50 controller to a 12v battery system.

I recently upgraded my 450w array to a 800w , (2 x( 40v x 10A)) array.

Assuming the array operate at maximum capacity the output amperage could be 66.6A (800w / 12v).
My question is., as the controller only caters to a 50A on output, does the excess amperage equate to wasted power? and danger of over heating ?


MPPT Controllers
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JohnC avatar image
JohnC answered ·

Hi @Wilder West Vic

Bear in mind that your /50 rating applies at Charge V, which would bring you up above 700W. I prefer to think of the excess that might be available as 'unharvested' rather than wasted. Reflected back out into the ether. There's no danger doing this, and many people indeed do it deliberately to give some some relief from poor sun conditions. The same happens when batts are full and the energy unwanted.

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Wilder West Vic avatar image Wilder West Vic commented ·
thanks!

i have come up with the following solutions to harvest this surplus power....

-switch to a 24v system
- upgrade controller.
- separate panels and add another controller

It is my thought that rewiring to a 24 system would be the cheapest and, longterm most efficient of these options.



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JohnC avatar image JohnC ♦ Wilder West Vic commented ·
@Wilder West Vic

Your existing 100/50 can do 24V. Just a setting change..

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