DIFERENT SOLAR PANEL: CAN I ADD ADDITIONAL 200W TO MY PRESENT 400W 2 PANEL SYSTEM

[DeeDee07]

I have a 2x200w panel=400w, have them in parallel. Can I add an additional one or 2, 2x200w different panel in the same system, and in parallel too. Thank' s

 

[Supervstech]

If they have same voltage VMP then, it should be ok, as long as your wire is large enough, and the charge controller can handle the wattage.

 

[DeeDee07]

If they have same voltage VMP then, it should be ok, as long as your wire is large enough, and the charge controller can handle the wattage.

Thank you very much for the prompt answer. I am using an Epever 40amp solar charge controller with 400w solar panel already on. How much can I go to Watts with this system? Also, 2 Battle Born batteries in parallel too.

 

[Supervstech]

400w at 12v is only 33Amps at max output... 500 at max output is only 41 ish amps... so it would be fine.

 

[DeeDee07]

400w at 12v is only 33Amps at max output... 500 at max output is only 41 ish amps... so it would be fine.

So adding another 200W panel won't be good for the system 600/12=50amps. Mine is 40 amps. Not even another 100w. Thank you so much for the assistance JADF

 

[Supervstech]

Keep in mind that panels RARELY output their rated watts.

 

[DeeDee07]

I have 2 Battle Born in Parallel which is 24V, 2 solar panels 200W each. Will gave some settings for the MP-50 monitoring device. and the setting was for one battery. Do I have to double the settings to match my 2 batteries? For example, I am using "USER"--Temp Comp Coeff "0"--Charge Limit from "15" to "14.6"-- Boost Charge "14.4" Float Charge, Change to "13.6V"--Equalize Time from 120 to "0" Min. and Boost Time left at "120M"...Also, with my Batteries came Victron Energy 12V/15A Blue Smart Charger IP65 Nema 5-15R. I know it is a battery charger, but, could I use it directly and continuously in my battery bank. which cable is connected to which cell, because mine are in parallel, so I have 2 pos. and 2 negs connected together. Should I have to disconnect everything to use the charger, I am really lost here, please give me some advice. Thank you in advance for the help. JADF

 

[DeeDee07]

Please, I haven't had an answer to my previous message. I am stuck with my MP-50 settings as (Will) told me in his tutorial video. My concern is, If I have to double the figures because I have 2 Batteries in parallel. Thank you. JADF.

 

[Supervstech]

Parallel doesnt change settings.
You would only change the settings if batteries were in series.

 

[Supervstech]

Wait...
The settings you list are for 12v batteries.
If you have 24v batteries, yes you double the settings.

 

[Supervstech]

Do you have 12v batteries in parallel?
Or do you have 24v batteries in parallel?
Or do you have 12v batteries in series?
Do you have a volt meter to show what you have connected?
Can you post pictures of your setup?

 

[DeeDee07]

1-12v Battle Born in Parallel
2-MP-50 with the Instructions I had from (Will) in how to set the MP-50. My confusion was if by having my batteries in parallel, do I have to double the setting from the message I wrote in 6-6-2020 in this forum. Enclosed some pictures of my MP-5- Set up. I have all of them ready if you need them. Thank you very much for your help. JADF

 

[DeeDee07]

Continue from above. This is the rest of my MP-50 Settings and the (2) Solar 200x2=400watts moving panels (in parallel) I have in my system.

 

[Supervstech]

Ok, no.
Parallel doubles the amps available, and the amphours of capacity, but the voltages stay the same.

 

[Supervstech]

You do not have 24V, you have 200A 12V

 

[Supervstech]

With that setup, I would get rid of the mp4 y terminals, and set your panels in series. Hook he positive of one panel to the negative of the other, and run the remaining cables to your charge controllers.
Eliminates some connections, and lowers the losses from the panels, and makes the mppt controller more efficient.

AS LONG AS DOUBLE THE VOC FROM THE PANEL WILL NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM VOLTAGE YOUR CONTROLLER CAN TAKE.

 

[DeeDee07]

Thank you, connect the panels in series and the power went up. What connections will you eliminate from the picture I sent you. Can I power a fridge only from the panels and the inverter only (3000 W) without the connection I have? My fridge runs at 115V 60Hz 15A. So if I am correct it should be around 1725 to 1800 Watts. Our sun here is really good and could give me some 8 hours without a problem.

 

[DeeDee07]

Sorry for my ignorance. ¿What VOC stands for? Also, can you help me with the last question? Thank you

 

[Supervstech]

Sorry for my ignorance. ¿What VOC stands for? Also, can you help me with the last question? Thank you

Voltage Open Current.
It means what the panel produces when nothing is connected. It is the maximum voltage the panel should be capable of, but it can go higher in a low load cold sunny day.

 

[DeeDee07]

Voltage Open Current.
It means what the panel produces when nothing is connected. It is the maximum voltage the panel should be capable of, but it can go higher in a low load cold sunny day.

Thank you very much, did what you told me yesterday came out ok. Will you please give a hint on my yesterday 3:38 pm question. I have excellent sun hours here in my place and my main objective was to power my fridges (2) with my solar panels and my power inverter, using my sun hours and try to lower my Grid bill which is really high. I appreciate the help given. Continue learning. JADF

 

[Supervstech]

Actually I think it’s voltage open circuit...

 

[Supervstech]

This eliminates all the mc4 y connectors.
400x 8 hours would give you 3200Wh, but you would have to move the panels to face the sun all day to get that.

 

[DeeDee07]

View attachment 15540
This eliminates all the mc4 y connectors.
400x 8 hours would give you 3200Wh, but you would have to move the panels to face the sun all day to get that.

I ALREADY ANSWER THAT IN MY PREVIOUS MESSAGES, WHAT I WANTED TO KNOW IS THAT YOU TOLD ME, THAT I CAN ELIMINATE SOME OF MY PRESENT BOARD SETUP TO GAIN MORE POWER. FOR EXA. I DO NOT PLAN TO USE THE DC POWER FROM THE DC CONNECTION AT THE BUTTON RIGHT OF THE PICTURE. SO, IF I GOT RID OF THE RED AND BLACK CABLES FROM THAT CONNECTION TO THE INVERTER, I SHOULD GET MORE POWER FROM THE PANELS TO THE BATTERY. AM I CORRECT? IF YOU MAY HAVE SOMETHING DIFFERENT, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. JADF

 

[Supervstech]

No.
The only way altering the setup will gain more power is from the series change that reduces line loss.

You can use the power you have differently, but you only have so many watts.

If you unhook the inverter, you will have more of the power for dc loads,

I am sorry if you misunderstood me.