Power Switch from a PV array.

[TrekkerPlanet]

Good morning, Smart People,

I currently have 2 separate battery systems in my van. On one side, a 330ah battery bank charged through a 60Amp MPPT or a 60Amp AC charger, and on the other side of the van, an EcoFlow Delta Max 2000 with 2-2016w batteries, charged from an EF Alternator Charger or AC.

So, I was theorizing the following scenario. Install a 3-way switch from the solar panels. Position 1. Charges the Batteries, Middle Off, Position 2. Charges EcoFlow Max.

I am using 4-EcoWorthy 195A bifacial panels in series. My MPPT can receive up to 150v/900w (12v) and the EcoFlow can accept up to 100v/800w. The panels are technically right-sized for both systems.

I am using 6awg wire from the breaker to the MPPT then to the bus bar. I was only able to find 10awg cable with an XT60i connection. The 10 awg/xt60i cable length won’t be more than 12 feet.

I'll appreciate any input or recommendations as I am new to this Solar-12v world.

Thx!

(see diagram)

 

[mikefitz]

I am using 4-EcoWorthy 195A bifacial panels in series

This may be an issue.
Voc increases as the temperature lowers, using a typical coefficient its probable the series voltage below freezing will exceed 100 volts. This may kill the Ecoflow.
You may need to rewire the panels, 2S2P.
Also the switch is rated to perhaps 48 volts and operating at a high voltage may cause contact problems. The lower array volts would help. An alternative would be a DP solar isolator at the input to each unit.

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[TrekkerPlanet]

This may be an issue.
Voc increases as the temperature lowers, using a typical coefficient its probable the series voltage below freezing will exceed 100 volts. This may kill the Ecoflow.
You may need to rewire the panels, 2S2P.
Also the switch is rated to perhaps 48 volts and operating at a high voltage may cause contact problems. The lower array volts would help. An alternative would be a DP solar isolator at the input to each unit.

Solar Isolator Switch | eBay

Explore a wide range of our Solar Isolator Switch selection. Find top brands, exclusive offers, and unbeatable prices on eBay. Shop now for fast shipping and easy returns!

www.ebay.com

I went ahead and implemented my idea. Didn't think about cooler temperatures yielding higher voltage. Now that's an issue I will have to address in the late fall/winter. I'll probably split the 4-in-series into 2 pairs of 2-in series and send a separate pair of MC4 cables to the ecoflow.

Would it be possible to have the panels send power down to both battery banks? I know you can have 2 MPPTs or 2 different charging sources going to batteries, but does it work the other way around? 1 PV array sending power to 2 battery systems?

 

[LakeHouse]

Would it be possible to have the panels send power down to both battery banks? I know you can have 2 MPPTs or 2 different charging sources going to batteries, but does it work the other way around? 1 PV array sending power to 2 battery systems?

No, you can't do this. Two SCC's trying to draw from the same array will just fight each other. At best you'll get little or no power. At worst, you might let out some magic smoke.

 

[JLV03]

Rather than switching back and forth with the solar panels, what if you charged only the 330Ah battery with solar, and then tapped into that to charge the EcoFlow?

Use the XT60 input on the EF and charge it via 12V - it will be slow, but likely not too much worse than off the solar panels.