I currently have 4/100 watt Renogy panels using the ecoflow D2 in series/parallel-running 24/7-} a full size fridge and a small freezer. I was getting approx 310 watts input with the unit @20 ft with a 10awg xt60i cable and a 20 ft 12awg extension with mc4's. The volts drop where 1.69%. I've move the panels to a sunnyier location for the (winter) that's now 60ft on a 12 awg extension with a 20ft 10 awg xt60i. My input wattage has dropped to a flucating 70-102 watts in the shade and in full sun, it remains there. The online voltage calculator adds a volt drop of 4.27%, Where did I go wrong? Im thinking (wife says not too, and Oh Lord, LOL), adding a 5th panel and a 8awg 50 ft extension in series/parallel. We've also had a tempature drop as well, 74F+ to 31F at night, to a high of 50F. Thoughts?
Wattage Drop and Volt loss
- Thread starter SeaBear
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chrisski
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Does this mean partial shade?
If not partial shade, If the loss is that great and the voltage drop calculation was done correctly with either the one way run or total two way length with whatever your calculator desires, the only other thing I can think of for loss is a bad connection.
Solarcabin Channel
Solar Addict
Try this: Unplug the panels in full sun from the power station (turn off the power station and inverter) and wait a few minutes and then plug them back in and see if the watts go up.
I have noticed on some power stations when switching between panels the MPPT seems to stay stuck at the lower watts if I don't wait for it to reset. Seems to be an anomaly with some power stations.
If that isn't the issue then check all your connections and test the volts and watts at the lines before the power station. You tripled your run distance and that will cause some loss and you may need heavier gauge wire.
Sorry for that, still learning. Partial shade, then in full sun it remained the same. I will follw your recomendation and follow up, thanks. If I may: what is a
Will do. I'll unplug the ecoflow delta 2 and check all mc4 connections including each panel. Appriciate your feed back.
Solarcabin Channel
Solar Addict
You said you are running series and parallel so I assume you have two panels in parallel and then in series for 24 volt system?
You can also connect those all in series for 48 volt and that will have less wire resistance. Make sure your power station specs allow for that.
chrisski
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Some calculators want you to measure distance from battery to item (1way); others have you measure battery to item and back (2 way).
Thanks for this idea. It states it can handle up to 60 volts. Now looking for a good series diagram.
Solarcabin Channel
Solar Addict
Here is a series diagram but you are going to be over 60 max volts in series. Stick with 24 volt set up.
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chrisski
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If the controller or exoflow handles up to 60 volts, the panels would need to be 2 in series, 2 in parallel, not 4 in series. 4 in series would exceed the max and possibly hurt the controller.
Solarcabin Channel
Solar Addict
@SeaBear
Yep, that is cutting it too close and better to stick with 24 volts.
Looks like heavier gauge wire is in your future or move the system closer.
Can you provide a diagram - 2S2P or 2P2S so I don't mess this up? The additional items needed arrived and will begin testing each panel and wiring today. Thank you all.
Trial and error. I have to move the panels for the winter due to the sun going further south in sky. I could have the tree crowns cut back but that costs $$$$$. I did get the heavier guage wire though. Thanks.
Solarcabin Channel
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Checkthisout
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Are the wires just laying on the ground?
Did you make the 12 gauge cord with your own MC4's using non-solar cable?
If so, the MC4's aren't sealing around the cable and between that and laying the cables on the ground you probably got a corroded connection.
Did you make the 12 gauge cord with your own MC4's using non-solar cable?
If so, the MC4's aren't sealing around the cable and between that and laying the cables on the ground you probably got a corroded connection.
Thanks for the input. All wires and MC4's are solar-rated. On the ground, yes however no recent rain after moving panels. I did make one end myself. I switched out the 12 AWG extension cable for an 8 AWG and tested each panel (20.5-22.4 voc). I will be attaching panels as per the above diagram (2S2P). I'm also going to check the xt60i cable. Welcome suggestions for protecting wires without overheating and from the weather. Purchased items do state "waterproof"! Thanks.
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No luck. The unit still does not provide sufficient solar input watts. Each panel was tested and displayed between 20.5 and 22. 4 VOC for a total of approximately 86 VOC. The panels are rated for 24 VOC each. The panels are connected in series-parallel (2S2P) with a 15 amp fuse producing 43.79 volts on a watt meter. The charging wattage input has decreased showing between 26-96 watts in full sun from 320. MC4 connectors, 8 AWG extensions (50ft), and the 10 AWG xt60i cables (20 ft) are working. I also plugged in the EFD2 portable panel that came with my unit and extra battery directly into the xt60 socket. It showed an input of only 123 watts, in full sun. I'm at a loss. I've contacted customer support and awaiting a response.
MisterSandals
Participation Medalist
I
Put a big load on your batteries if in doubt.
Is your battery nearly fully charged? The charger may be tailing off charging as it nears charge completion.
Put a big load on your batteries if in doubt.
I let the batteries go down to 18% so I could test the panels. Same result. They run the fridge and small freezer for almost two days on a full charge. Thanks.
Solarcabin Channel
Solar Addict
Now see how long it takes for your solar to recharge those batteries and report that.
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