I am trying to select a charge controller for generic solar panels. I am trying to put 12 panels of 300w in to two arrays (6 each). The panels will be installed horizontally on camper
The panels are:
EFTE: Flexible Open circuit voltage: 22-24 Short circuit current: 5A-15 Maximum power point operating voltage: 18V Maximum power point operating current: 15A
I am planning on 4 x (400AH): I currently have 1 for testing. The manufacture says 225A is maximum before the BMS shuts down the battery. They said it can take current at the same rate; but I am unsure about that. These are the published specifications.
Model: 12v 400Ah battery pack Battery type: 3.2v LiFePO4 Battery Nominal voltage: 12.8V Nominal capacity: 400Ah Maximum charging current: 5A-20A Instantaneous discharge current: 200A Continuous discharge current: 100A
I plan to arrange the array in as follows:
Panel 1 + Panel 2 + Panel 3 (Series) ----(Set 1) 54V / 45A (1800W)
Panel 4 + Panel 5 + Panel 6 (Series) ----(Set 2) 54V / 45A (1800W)
Set1 + Set2 (Parallel) 54V / 90A
Additional Equipment Planned:
MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-50 2x120VA Lynx Smart BMS Lynx Distributor P1: Multiplus II P2: Charge Controllers (180A) P3: DC/DC Chargers (120A) P4: DC Distribution Cerbo GX GX Touch 50
If I do this twice that should add to 180A.
ps: I have ask a couple of dealers but the answers don't always make sense.
Question 1:
How do I select the correct solar charger? Does 54V / 90A all I need to go by or does the 1800W of solar factor in somehow.
Would SmartSolar Charge ControllerMPPT 150/100-Tr be a good choice?
Question 2:
I am seeing a lot of conflicting locations for fuses and shut offs on these arrays. If I put a PV 100A disconnect between the panel array and the charge controller, do I need fuses, surge protectors or other devices between the MPPT Controller and the Lynx distributor? (Is the fuse there sufficient) and how do I size that?
Question 3:
If the 4 batteries can only take 80As maximum and that leaves 100A (out there) will the Multiplus use that 100As for DC->AC conversion or is it just a waste?
Question 4:
Solar Panels rarely produce what they are rated for, based on shade and position. Should I engineer for the maximum or some delta in power? I am looking into a test device that will show actual production (I know that the charge controllers can show that as well). I am looking at should I check the panels individually to check production?
Question 5:
Do I need fuses (if so what size or how to size) between the panels or sets?