I have used Waaree 585 W solar modules for my system design, with a total of 162 panels. My first question is regarding the SmartSolar MPPT RS 450/200 — the datasheet mentions a maximum operating current of 16 A. Can I safely use these panels with this controller since the panel datasheet specifies an Isc of 18.43 A?
When I use the Victron MPPT calculator, it doesn’t accept two strings when I enter 9 panels in series (2 strings). I’ve attached the PDF showing the calculator results.
As the datasheet specifies limits per tracker, would it be correct to use 5 panels in series with 4 strings per tracker on the 450/200 controller?
Also please let me know how to choose with victron MPPT calculator for this calculations.
Thanks in advance for your help and clarification.
the datasheet mentions a maximum operating current of 16 A. Can I safely use these panels with this controller since the panel datasheet specifies an Isc of 18.43 A?
No. this exceeds the capabilities of the tracker, and will invalidate the warranty.
(BTW, please don’t enter your entire post as “code” it makes it difficult to read).
I don’t find the module Voc or Isc on the manufacture’s web page. :(((
As the datasheet specifies limits per tracker, would it be correct to use 5 panels in series with 4 strings per tracker on the 450/200 controller?
Without the Voc / Isc information this cannot be answered. If the Victron mppt calculator refuses an arrangement, it usually has a good reason.
Dear Mike,
Answer from Mr.MIKE : No. this exceeds the capabilities of the tracker, and will invalidate the warranty.
below details i got from victron MPPT calculator which suggest,
Question : As i told panel have Isc [A] 18.43 , Impp [A] 17.39 but still it suggest 450/100 . Please have a look and explain the details thanks in advance.
SmartSolar MPPT RS 450/100-MC4
Article number: SCC145110510
Connector: MC4
• Bluetooth
Max. input voltage: 428.16 V
Max. PV voltage @ min. temperature: 263.3 V
Min. input voltage @ MPP: 65 V
Min. PV voltage @ max. temperature: 178.8 V
Rated charge current: 80 A
Charge current @ MPP min. temp.: 76.5 A
Charge current @ MPP max. temp.: 63.6 A
Solar configuration
String 1
Module custom
Series 6
Parallel 1
Min temperature [°C]-10
Max temperature [°C] 60
System voltage [V] 48
Battery float voltage [V] (used only for RS controllers) 53.52
Power [Wp] 584
Voc [V] 40.23
Isc [A] 18.43
Vmpp [V] 33.64
Impp [A] 17.39
V temp. coeff. [%/°C]-0.26
I temp. coeff. [%/°C] 0.046
Ok, so spec from Victron is Max 20A Isc per tracker.
Thermally adjusted Isc = 18.43×(1+.046×(60−25)/100) = 18.72A so ONE string per tracker should be OK.
Thermally adjusted Voc = 43.89V, 5 = 219.45.
Tracker Max Voc is 8float voltage OR 450V whichever is less., so at ~220V you should be fine, could even go to more than 5 series.
HOWEVER: there is a conundrum here, particular to your panels, that whilst the Isc is within spec, the operating max current (17.669) is not. This setup may be beyond the logical checks built into the Victron MPPT calculator.
Whilst I think this situation while borderline should be ok - provided that the ambient temp for the trackers is kept fairly low, this situation may well void the warranty. I would look at using 4 off SmartSolar MPPT 250/60-Tr, which while slightly more expensive solution is completely within the specification.