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Yet Another MPPT Charger (Controller) Question


BargeeSpud

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I didn't want to hijack Blue String's thread on a similar subject as all I'm interested in finding out is how many panels could I hook up to a Victron 75/15 solar charger (controller).

 

My original thinking was to have 4 x 100W Victron monocrystalline panels, however the data sheet for the solar charger's maximum PV power @ 12V is 200W MPPT range 15V to 70V resp. 95V, (whatever resp means). Is 400W of panels excessive or would 400W give good leeway in low light conditions?

 

The charger data sheet.

 

Cheers.

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400W at 12V would exceed the rated current capability of your 75/15.

 

The /15 bit is 15A, whereas 400W of panel power could potentially give you 32A on a good day.

 

So you should attach only 200W of solar panels to that controller.

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OK, thanks for that. I'll check out the Victron site for a beefier charger/controller. I only quoted that model because its the only Victron MPPT charger/controller on the Midland web site & I would like to stick with Victron if possible

 

Thanks again.

Edited by BargeeSpud
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The latest generation of Tracer MPPT controller: http://www.bimblesolar.com/offgrid/mppt/Tracer4215BN

 

Programmable from a laptop

 

They also do a 250W panel: http://www.bimblesolar.com/solar/individual/innotech250W for less than the price of the Victron 100W one

Edited by Proper Job
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The latest generation of Tracer MPPT controller: http://www.bimblesolar.com/offgrid/mppt/Tracer4215BN

 

Programmable from a laptop

 

They also do a 250W panel: http://www.bimblesolar.com/solar/individual/innotech250W for less than the price of the Victron 100W one

 

Interesting. There is a Victron 40A MPPT controller available for not much more & unfortunately, when I looked it up yesterday, that 250W panel was pallet delivery only for the princely sum of £100 on top of the panel price. Now it seems to have changed, so as a result, I'm not so sure about Bimble to be honest. The CWDF reviews seem a bit mixed & I think I'd prefer to use my build discount to buy the Victrons, thanks anyway.

Edited by BargeeSpud
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A true MPPT should be able to self limit itself, at least the original Tracer MPPTs do.

 

If money is tight the 20A Tracers can be had direct from Asia via Ebay for £70ish.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EPsolar-Tracer-2210RN-MPPT-Solar-Battery-Charge-Controller-Regulator-20A-12-24V-/231110747570

 

cheers, Pete.

~smpt~

Edited by smileypete
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