Sizing MPPT Solar Contoller for 4 550W Solar panels

DIY
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1

I am putting together a solar array of 4 590W solar panels (https://www.renogy.com/products/renogy-bifacial-590-watt-n-type-monocrystalline-solar-panel). I’d prefer 2 controllers, each supporting 2 panels as the space it tight for adding more controllers. Can someone help me in sizing the correct Victron MPPT Solar Controllers for this setup?

2

Take a look at the MPPT calculator:

3

Thank you Matthias. I am a novice and tried using the calculator. In the drop down of the solar panels the panels I acquired are not present. So I selected the 550W panels. After putting in other information, the response I got was that no controllers were found.

4

You can also enter all parameters of your panel manually.

Please make a screenshot. I guess you entered something wrong.

5

Here is a picture:

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image2732×2048 323 KB

I’m guessing that if I have 4 panels but want to have 2 controllers manage 2 panels each this is what I would put in. If I change Series to 1 and Strings to 4, same answer. But if I make Series 1 and Strings 3, I get an answer. Not sure if that is helpful

6

If you have 1 controller managing 2 panels is series, then series is 2 and number of strings is 1.

7

I have four 540 Wp solar modules in a 2s2p configuration connected to a single Smartsolar 150/45. It’s a great fit.

8

you wont find any match on the mppt calculator, your operating temperatures is wild.

-40 to 85 degrees Celsius.

Victron mppts are usually rated for -30 to 60 degrees Celsius
a 150/35 MPPT x2 should work for you.

9

Thank you

10

Hi Tom, can I ask how you connected your panels back to your Smartsolar 150/45? Like you I’m going to connect four 415 Wp solar modules in a 2s2p configuration connected to a Smartsolar 150/45. Did you run two sets of positive and negatives wires back to your MPPT or did you use Y cables at the panel end to allow one set of cables back to MPPT?

Also, can I ask was size solar DC cable you used?

Chris

11

Hello Chris,

I used standard 6 mm² PV cables

I used Y connectors at the panels and had only one plus and one minus-cable for the 10 meters from the panels to the MPPT.

12

Thanks for that info. Do you have details of exactly what Y connectors you used ?

13

normal MC4 connectors, similar like that

Edit: in Germany you need to connect the panels to a surge protection, and from that to the MPPT