Solar charge controller & LVX6048 together

[craigcabrey]

Hi all,

I realize this topic has probably been done to death but just want to get clarification. I know that using multiple charge sources isn't a problem. However, is it a problem to use a charge controller in conjunction with an all-in-one unit such as the LVX6048? I imagine not since behind the scenes it's just a charge controller as well. But the LVX6048 can also charge from the grid if needed. Would that conflict with a separate charge controller in some way?

My front porch can only fit 6, west facing panels (I have 8 on the way). Thinking about setting up the other two south facing and running them through a charge controller directly to my EG4 48V pack. For this, I imagine the Victron 100/20 MPPT charge controller would be perfect. Panels are G10+ 395W Q Cells, so open circuit is rated at ~45V, MPPT voltage at ~36V.

Thanks!

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Hi all,

I realize this topic has probably been done to death but just want to get clarification. I know that using multiple charge sources isn't a problem.

But you're not embracing that knowledge.

Charging from multiple sources

One can have as many independent charging sources running concurrently as they like provided they are programmed properly for the voltage of one's battery bank. Examples (some or all at once, even multiples of a single type, different brands, etc.): Solar PV via MPPT Solar PV via PWM AC-DC...

diysolarforum.com

However, is it a problem to use a charge controller in conjunction with an all-in-one unit such as the LVX6048?

No.

I imagine not since behind the scenes it's just a charge controller as well. But the LVX6048 can also charge from the grid if needed. Would that conflict with a separate charge controller in some way?

No. Just because a box happens to have two different types of chargers in it, it doesn't make them special.

My front porch can only fit 6, west facing panels (I have 8 on the way). Thinking about setting up the other two south facing and running them through a charge controller directly to my EG4 48V pack. For this, I imagine the Victron 100/20 MPPT charge controller would be perfect. Panels are G10+ 395W Q Cells, so open circuit is rated at ~45V, MPPT voltage at ~36V.

Should be fine; however, you may not need to do that.

If the 6 are in a 2S3P array and then you 2S the south facing panels, you can simply parallel them in to form a 2S4P array on the same MPPT.

Only the individual panels within a string need to be the same orientation. Parallel strings can face different directions.

West facing panels may perform poorly. Do you have the option to put all 8 South facing?

 

[craigcabrey]

But you're not embracing that knowledge.

Charging from multiple sources

One can have as many independent charging sources running concurrently as they like provided they are programmed properly for the voltage of one's battery bank. Examples (some or all at once, even multiples of a single type, different brands, etc.): Solar PV via MPPT Solar PV via PWM AC-DC...

diysolarforum.com

No.



No. Just because a box happens to have two different types of chargers in it, it doesn't make them special.



Should be fine; however, you may not need to do that.

If the 6 are in a 2S3P array and then you 2S the south facing panels, you can simply parallel them in to form a 2S4P array on the same MPPT.

Only the individual panels within a string need to be the same orientation. Parallel strings can face different directions.

West facing panels may perform poorly. Do you have the option to put all 8 South facing?

Nothing wrong with confirming before damaging a $5k investment

PVWatts doesn't show a huge difference between West and South, so I'd rather use my front porch roof. A ground mount isn't feasible at my location. At least, not for 8 panels.