This might be a stupid question but I need clarification.

[Kevin1221]

So here's my dumb question I want to scale up my solar array but I am struggling with the numbers. My charge controller says Max pv voltage is 145vdc with a max Input current of 80 amps in the manual (50 amps on the sticker on the charger/inverter) with a max watts of 4400.
Also as a note it separately says it has a charging range of 0-80 amps.

When designing my solar array do I need to take into account both the max amps and volts?

I know max volts cannot be exceeded without damage but if I also have to stay within a max of 50 amps like the sticker says it seems like it would be hard to get even close to 4400watts.

I would like to scale up my array to 2500-3000 watt range if possible. Also my battery is a 48v 231 amp hours condor elite from Big Battery.

Any help here would be appreciated.

Below is photos of both the manual specs and the sticker specs.

 

[12VoltInstalls]

I’d ask them as their unit sticker and manual don’t agree…

Nevertheless they have on their website a kit with a dozen 360W panels. Typically, an SCC will simply not use more amps than it can process- basically ‘ignoring’ anything over its “limits” as long as VOC is not exceeded. And since they sell that complete kit with battery at nearly 4400W of panels I think it would be safe to assume your 3000W goal is not a problem if you do not exceed the VOC.

IMHO 1600W is the lowest panel array wattage I would consider with that condor battery. 3000W should be robust depending on your daytime loads.

I take the reading to say it will charge the battery with grid to 40A, and up to 80A with solar power.

 

[Kevin1221]

I’d ask them as their unit sticker and manual don’t agree…

Nevertheless they have on their website a kit with a dozen 360W panels. Typically, an SCC will simply not use more amps than it can process- basically ‘ignoring’ anything over its “limits” as long as VOC is not exceeded. And since they sell that complete kit with battery at nearly 4400W of panels I think it would be safe to assume your 3000W goal is not a problem if you do not exceed the VOC.

IMHO 1600W is the lowest panel array wattage I would consider with that condor battery. 3000W should be robust depending on your daytime loads.

I take the reading to say it will charge the battery with grid to 40A, and up to 80A with solar power.

I greatly appreciate you reaffirming what I thought was the case. I just didn't want to make any mistakes especially if I'm going to be paying for a large amount of panel to be shipped to me.

 

[Kevin1221]

I’d ask them as their unit sticker and manual don’t agree…

Nevertheless they have on their website a kit with a dozen 360W panels. Typically, an SCC will simply not use more amps than it can process- basically ‘ignoring’ anything over its “limits” as long as VOC is not exceeded. And since they sell that complete kit with battery at nearly 4400W of panels I think it would be safe to assume your 3000W goal is not a problem if you do not exceed the VOC.

IMHO 1600W is the lowest panel array wattage I would consider with that condor battery. 3000W should be robust depending on your daytime loads.

I take the reading to say it will charge the battery with grid to 40A, and up to 80A with solar power.

Follow up question if you don't mind answering it. I found a set of 9 265w panels and that would put me in the 2400watt range. My thought would be to have 3 strings of 3 panels each in parallel which would each set being VOC of 38.6v at ISC 27 amps. Totaling 115V at 81 amps. I think I am calculating everything correctly based on the wiring unless the Amps don' stack from each set of panels coming together. Like I said before I am very new to this and my brain struggles with numbers in general so I like to double check my thinking before I move forward on anything. Here is the link to the panels https://www.santansolar.com/product/used-jinko-265w-solar-panel-pallet-of-9/. Please let me know if there is a better approach or if I need to consider a different panel options with different volt to amp ratio.

 

[Rocketman]

I think you have it slightly wrong. Here are the panel specs

Voc 38.6 v
Max current 8.4a

So each string of three will be:
Voc 115.8
Current 8.4a

Put three strings in parallel and you have
V 115.8
Amps 25

So you will have 27amps - not 81a

One note: those used panels will probably not provide the 265w - you probably want to plan on 10% lower. Can you get another three added to the order?

Good Luck

 

[Supervstech]

Follow up question if you don't mind answering it. I found a set of 9 265w panels and that would put me in the 2400watt range. My thought would be to have 3 strings of 3 panels each in parallel which would each set being VOC of 38.6v at ISC 27 amps. Totaling 115V at 81 amps. I think I am calculating everything correctly based on the wiring unless the Amps don' stack from each set of panels coming together. Like I said before I am very new to this and my brain struggles with numbers in general so I like to double check my thinking before I move forward on anything. Here is the link to the panels https://www.santansolar.com/product/used-jinko-265w-solar-panel-pallet-of-9/. Please let me know if there is a better approach or if I need to consider a different panel options with different volt to amp ratio.

Where are you getting 81A?

 

[MichaelK]

No, your math is not correct. Remember the electrical mantra, in series Volts add while Amps stay the same. In parallel Amps add, while Volts stay the same.

So, when you create a single string of three panels in series, you get 38.6V +38.6V +38.6V at 9A. Thats 115.8V at 9A. Once you add two more strings of three panels each, it's (115.8V at 9A) + (115.8V at 9A) +(115.8V at 9A) = 27A at 115.8V.

 

[Kevin1221]

I think you have it slightly wrong. Here are the panel specs

Voc 38.6 v

I used that number to calculate the total amongst all the strings together. Unless I shouldn't be totaling it together for some reason.

 

[Supervstech]

I used that number to calculate the total amongst all the strings together. Unless I shouldn't be totaling it together for some reason.

Yes, and 3 strings together make 27A
Not 81

 

[Kevin1221]

Where are you getting 81A?

I assumed that I would have to wire them all in parallel to avoid too high of voltage which in sets of 3 would be 27 amps and then my unexperienced thinking made me thing they again would add the amps together which 27x3=81. Buts its been pointed out I was wrong.

 

[Kevin1221]

No, your math is not correct. Remember the electrical mantra, in series Volts add while Amps stay the same. In parallel Amps add, while Volts stay the same.

So, when you create a single string of three panels in series, you get 38.6V +38.6V +38.6V at 9A. Thats 115.8V at 9A. Once you add two more strings of three panels each, it's (115.8V at 9A) + (115.8V at 9A) +(115.8V at 9A) = 27A at 115.8V.

Now that you pointed it out that makes sense. I was backwards thinking that all the volts would add up once they all meet up instead of the Amps. I was thinking I would have to do strings parallel to avoid that voltage being too high.

I think you have it slightly wrong. Here are the panel specs

Voc 38.6 v
Max current 8.4a

So each string of three will be:
Voc 115.8
Current 8.4a

Put three strings in parallel and you have
V 115.8
Amps 25

So you will have 27amps - not 81a

One note: those used panels will probably not provide the 265w - you probably want to plan on 10% lower. Can you get another three added to the order?

Good Luck

Thank you for pointing out my math error. I just had things backwards in my thinking I would have to see if that is something they can do they also had them in set of 6 so I could get two sets of those. would adding a 4th string not push the voltage past the 145v threshold for the charge controller?

 

[MichaelK]

Would adding a 4th string not push the voltage past the 145v threshold for the charge controller?

Definately! You also must include cold weather voltage compensation. The voltage of your panels goes up as the temperature goes down. At freezing, multiply the voltage by 1.12X. At -40, multiply by 1.25.

So, just on a frosty morning, four panels in series would bump up to 38.6V X 4 panels X 1.12X = 173V.

For a more accurate voltage, use a string calculator like this one to accurately predict your voltage.

MidNite Solar - Classic Sizing Tool.

MidNite Solar is the industry leader and manufacture of quality Renewable Energy System electrical components and E-Panels.

www.midnitesolar.com

 

[Kevin1221]

Definately! You also must include cold weather voltage compensation. The voltage of your panels goes up as the temperature goes down. At freezing, multiply the voltage by 1.12X. At -40, multiply by 1.25.

So, just on a frosty morning, four panels in series would bump up to 38.6V X 4 panels X 1.12X = 173V.

For a more accurate voltage, use a string calculator like this one to accurately predict your voltage.

MidNite Solar - Classic Sizing Tool.

MidNite Solar is the industry leader and manufacture of quality Renewable Energy System electrical components and E-Panels.

www.midnitesolar.com

That is a handy tool. I guess it wouldn't hurt my voltage if I added a 4th string. it would only push it too much if I added a 4th in each string.

 

[Rocketman]

Correct, assuming the 50a input on the sticker is the correct number…

You could go with a 3s5p of those panels on that controller. So Five strings of three panels. (6 strings would be more than 50a).

It’s always good to figure out the max limits - just so you know.

 

[JJJJ]

I want to encourage you to continue to ask questions. Each of us is at a different point along the journey. Many have learned from others who have been doing this for years.

 

[12VoltInstalls]

Many have learned from others who have been doing this for years.

And many of us who have been doing stuff for years and still learn from others. Grounding/bonding I learned improperly from those (electricians) who I was under in my youth, and I got corrected here; what little I know about LiFePo batteries mostly came from here.
It’s a great place, usually. Occasionally a few jackwagons have rallies here but it doesn’t last LOL
CARRY ON ?

 

[Kevin1221]

And many of us who have been doing stuff for years and still learn from others. Grounding/bonding I learned improperly from those (electricians) who I was under in my youth, and I got corrected here; what little I know about LiFePo batteries mostly came from here.
It’s a great place, usually. Occasionally a few jackwagons have rallies here but it doesn’t last LOL
CARRY ON ?

I appreciate all the support and willingness to help people like me that know very little. I do my best to try not to anything blindly and this forum makes that a lot easier because Google doesn't always feel like the best source of information.

 

[12VoltInstalls]

Google doesn't always feel like the best source of information

Because… It’s not…

It is however the best venue to target you with ads for products you might purchase!

 

[Kevin1221]

Because… It’s not…

It is however the best venue to target you with ads for products you might purchase!

I've learned that as of late. I've always preferred using forums but google is just so tempting because it gives the appearance of instant answers.

 

[12VoltInstalls]

google is just so tempting because it gives the appearance of instant answers

20 years ago it sorta was. The internet in the 1990s was like having the 10 greatest libraries in the world at your fingertips. Now it’s mostly ads and monetized (subscription) content other than YouTube- and you have to sort through garbage there or get creative and dig deep if a channel offends the Algorithm Almighty In The Sky