question

jwh92020 avatar image
jwh92020 asked

Maximum Watts With Smart Solar 100/30

I am going to run a 12v system. I am deciding between ordering 2 - 300 watt panels or using 2 - 250 watt panels available locally. The 100 watt differential won't be an issue as my solar needs are very small. I have a Smart Solar 100/30 and I've had people tell me I can use it with these panels. Is that possible?

  • Rated Power: 300w
    Open circuit voltage (VOC): 37.6 V
    Max power voltage (VMP): 30.3 V
    Short circuit current (ISC): 8.85 A
    Max power current: 8.27 A
    Power Tolerance 0/+3%
    Maximum system voltage: 600V (UL)
    Fuse Rating: 15 A
    IP65 Junction Box w/MC4 Compatible Connectors

  • Rated Power: 250W
    Open circuit voltage (VOC): 37.6 V
    Max power voltage (VMP): 30.3 V
    Short circuit current (ISC): 8.85 A
    Max power current: 8.27 A
    Power Tolerance 0/+3%
    Maximum system voltage: 600V (UL)
    Fuse Rating: 15 A
    IP65 Junction Box w/MC4 Compatible Connectors


MPPT Controllers
2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

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

2 Answers
Gregory Cavanagh avatar image
Gregory Cavanagh answered ·

Yes, you can use either of those panels with the 100/30

2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

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

Matthias Lange - DE avatar image
Matthias Lange - DE answered ·

You can use both panel types but the 100/30 can give you max. 30A charging current.
@12V -> around 350-400W
So you already have enough power with the 250Wp panels.

1 comment
2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

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

tomthumb1801 avatar image tomthumb1801 commented ·
Is there a limit as to how many watts the 100/30 can accept? I understand it won't output more than 30A. But lets say I hook up 800-1000W of panels. On cloudy days, this will help out a LOT. On sunny days, the 100/30 will simply be charging at 30A during bulk most of the time and the rest of the power will be wasted. Will doing this cause overheating of the 100/30 or other problems?


Currently we have 4x100W of flex panels flat mounted on the trailer roof. We see a max of about 360W production, but usually more than 250-275W in best conditions. If we also hook up another 2x100W of portable panels, we can see about 100-160W additional power, depending. We rarely hook up these portable panels. I'm thinking of adding another 2x100W flexible panels to the roof, for a total of 600W on the roof and 200W on the ground.

From my understanding, this isn't a bad idea, but in peak conditions, I will be wasting some power. I could add another charge controller or more battery, but I don't intend to do either and am okay with lost production but improved production in cloudy weather.

0 Likes 0 ·