I want to connect two 200W solar panel (Open Circuit Voltage 19.6V, Short Circuit Current 13.1A, Optimum Operating Voltage 16.8V, Optimum Operating Current 11.9A) to a Victron MPPT charge controller. My plan is to connect them in series and for this purpose I'm planning to use two 10 meter Seatec MC4 solar connection cables in 6mm2 (Article Number 33572) to run the power to a connector before running it into the MPPT. My question: Is the 10 m. seatec MC4 suited for this task or do I need a bigger cable given the power and the length? Further, what breakers would you recommend? I'm planning to buy the VICTRON - SmartSolar MPPT 100/50 solar charge controller (is that overkill for this task?) Looking forward to your answer as I believe it can guide many other customers
Dear Michael, The 6 mm² MC4 cables with a length of 10 m per conductor are suitable for this purpose. A 15 A or 20 A GYPV solar fuse could be installed in line from the PV modules. The MPPT 100/50 would be oversized if the system is not to be expanded at a later date. An MPPT 100/30 #41335# would be sufficient. Best regards, SVB-Team Bremen
Thank you! Looking at the design again I'm considering an alternative: Using a 6 mm² MC4 cables with a length of 5 meter to each Solar Panel in order to run the electricity to a connector (what connector would you recommend for a series set-up) and let the power continue in one 6 mm² MC4 cables with a length of 10 m to the 20 A GYPV solar fuse before reaching the MPPT. From the MPPT to the batteries I have max. 1,5 meters. What wiring and what breakers would you recommend? In summary: 1. Can I use two 6 mm² MC4 cables with a length of 5 m. for each panel before joining in series and run the combined Voltage of 39,2V and Current of 13,1A for 10 meters in one 6 mm² MC4 cable to the 20A fuse before reaching the MPPT? 2. I'm considering the MPPT 100/50 to be able to add another panel ata a later date. Would there be any advantages now in chossing the MPPT 100/30 other than price? 3. From the MPPT to the batteries I have max. 1,5 meters. What wiring and what breakers would you recommend? I hope with these three answers to be able to place my order later today. - I also hope these design questions can benefit others that are considering to add solar power to a boat or van.
And final question: Can I also use this design if using just one of the 200W solar panels (19,6V and 13,1A)?
The current is the same with one module as with two modules in series. The power loss and voltage drop are even slightly lower because the power is halved. 6 mm² is absolutely sufficient for this. The controller can be operated with a single 200 W module without any problems. The input data is correct: Voc 19.6 V is well below the 100 V limit. The typical switch-on threshold is well below the module voltage, so the controller can start up normally in the morning. Victron specifies a minimum PV voltage above battery voltage of only a few volts for the 100/50, so a 12 V system with a 36-cell module (approx. 18–20 V) will work without any problems. It is then only ‘oversized’, but technically uncritical. If you know for sure that you will never expand, a smaller MPPT (e.g. 75/15) would be more efficient and cheaper.
Thank you. I hope you can help my find all the items in your shop: 2 x 5 meter Seatec MC4 solar connection cables in 6mm2 (to run from the solar panels) 1x MC4 Solar Y-Connection Cable Set / 2-to-1 / 300 mm or the connector you recommend to make series connection between the two panels 1 x 10 meter Seatec MC4 solar connection cable in 6mm2 to run the power to the MPPT 1x 20A breaker to be placed before the MPPT 1 x Victron 100/50 MPPT + What set-up would you recommend from the MPPT to the batteries (The maximum distance is 1,5 meters)
Dear Michael, please send an e-mail to [email protected] if you need assistance in selecting your components.Regards, SVB-Team Bremen
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