Charge controller correct? Opinions on my setup.

[Foundation.a.d]

So I bought all the equipment suggested by Will for a 24 volt 2kw system years ago, finally getting round to installing. Excuse my ignorance If I’m using the wrong terminology etc. I was planning to wire it series parallel (4 parallel groups of 5 panels running in series), but then decided to just go ahead and run it all series for simplicity, but I am having doubts about the viability for that with the charge controller suggested (he didn’t mention that series parallel was necessary so just assumed it was an option when buying it). I have a couple more components to add, but hopefully this is enough to tell if I’m doing anything catastrophic. Thanks!

 

[mikefitz]

doing anything catastrophic

With all the panels in series , yes you may have problems. The maximum input voltage of the controller is 150 volts, the series panel volts must be less than that. The limit is 1024 watts and 150 volts. If the unit is Epever/Tracer you can over panel by x2, but the 150 volts cannot be exceded.
You don't state panel specification, but 20 panels may exceed the limits. ( unless they are low power).

 

[pollenface]

If they are 36 cell panels (22voc) then that's 440v going into a 150v mppt.

 

[Foundation.a.d]

You don't state panel specification, but 20 panels may exceed the limits. ( unless they are low power).

Yeah, it’s 20x100w panels. So the series parallel direction is the way to go? Or do I need to get another charge controller? Side note, is tinned copper wire suitable for this application? Also can I get your thoughts on my setup please? Thanks for your help!

 

[mikefitz]

20x100w panels

What is the Voc of the panels?
Typical for 100 watt panel us 21 to 25 volts, so that about 5 in series ( you need a margin to the 150 volts to alow for Voc increase in cold weather). So, as you suggest 4 parallel strings of 5 panels is the way to use up 20 panels.
In ideal conditions the controller will limit to 40 amps with 1024 watts of panels. Twice that is acceptable, overpaneling, so you will get your 40 amps for longer during the day and a two times yield on poor solar days. But you will, loose out under good conditions.

To get full power from the panels, split the array between two 40A controllers, 2 parallel strings of 5 to each controller.

Tinned copper wire is fine, usually used in marine application to limit corrosion.

 

[Foundation.a.d]

Awesome. Thanks so much again! Just because I want to get it over and done with for the time being, I’m going to go with the single controller for now. So the voc is 20.23 voltage on 18 panels, but 29.7 on two that I had to replace. Apparently I have to add a fuse to each string of panels running series before I connect them in parallel? Can you recommend a suitable fuse if that’s the case please? And I have a marine breaker that I presumably connect to the positive wire running from the panels into the charge controller. Again, thanks, you’re making things a lot less stressful. I thought I was in the home straight… but life is what happens etc etc….

 

[mikefitz]

add a fuse to each string of panels

With 4 strings the string current maximum is around 5 amps, so a10 amp series in a MC4 inline fuse holder

a marine breaker

Check it had enough voltage rating, the string voltage exceeds 100volts, and with 4 strings over 20 amps. Use a 25 or 30 amp two pole isolator like,

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[Foundation.a.d]

Thanks a ton.