question

pdc10 avatar image
pdc10 asked

Oversizing 100/20

How much can I oversize a 100/20. 12-48.

Running 12v bank for now. Had two but added a third 150ah agm.

How many watts and or volts can I feed this controller safely?

Currently haven’t seen over 283w @ 72v on the app.

If adding more pv, is it okay to have one pair in series, like it is now facing south, and just add one more panel on the east side?

MPPT Controllers
2 |3000

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

2 Answers
klim8skeptic avatar image
klim8skeptic answered ·

Please refer to your product manual Smart Solar 100-20 48

2 comments
2 |3000

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

pdc10 avatar image pdc10 commented ·

Thanks! That link was great. Right to the exact spot. But I didn’t see anything about the watts? Just volts.

Just judging by the gauge around the large watt display I’m near the max? Or could I double up and run 600watts at 74 volts safely for these cloudy winter days?

24c7e56e-bb8f-4c88-8773-fbee5ab46a37.pngImage Caption

0 Likes 0 ·
klim8skeptic avatar image klim8skeptic ♦ pdc10 commented ·

But I didn’t see anything about the watts? Just volts.

Volts are important, you dont want to go over the mppt's PV voltage limit of 100v.

Amps are also important, you have a 20a limit for both the PV input (it is advisable to design your PV array so it's Isc is below 20a), and the battery output current 20a

Watts? You have already reached peak power output with your existing array. Your screenshots reveal battery current of 19.9a x 13.56v = 276w mppt output.


Or could I double up and run 600watts at 74 volts safely for these cloudy winter days?

Sure why not? Additional exact same panels wired in parallel will have the same Voc/Vmp. Safe.

Additional panels wired in parallel would also appear to have an array Isc below the mppts 20a pv input limit.

So while there will be loss during perfect solar days, during the nasty overcast days, your array/mppt will output a bit more than double of not much.

0 Likes 0 ·
ffvictron avatar image
ffvictron answered ·

The name of the controller tells you how much you can put into it. in your example 100 / 20 means you can put 100 volts and 20 amps tops into the regulator.

You could add more panels to the controller if you dont go pass the 100 volts / 20 amps supported, it should be fine.

2 comments
2 |3000

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

pdc10 avatar image pdc10 commented ·

20 amps is the input rating as well is the output rating?

I can just hit 20 amps output right now on a beautiful day but with low sun I am not getting close to full charge.

Judging by this screen shot doubling the watts input would put me way over the gauge. 4043994F-845D-4187-B2BB-CF4B6E57FCB3.png

0 Likes 0 ·
kevgermany avatar image kevgermany ♦♦ pdc10 commented ·
20 Amps is the output current. Input current you can ignore, except for the sc suffix.
0 Likes 0 ·