Rumbledethumps
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2021
- Messages
- 34
Hi All,
I'm putting together my first proper system using Victron components and purchased the 100/50 MPPT smart charge controller to use with 3x200W panels wired in series. Following the purchase a couple of sources have made me question my choice so I wonder if you can give some clarification please...
My understanding was that as long as you check the Open Circuit Voltage (accounting for temperature coefficients) doesn't exceed the input voltage of the charge controller (leaving sufficient overhead), all should be well.
The specs shown on each panel are:
Max Power at STC (Pmax) 200W
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) 27V
Short Circuit Current (Isc) 9.66A
Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp) 22.6V
Optimum Operating Current (Imp) 8.85A
Temp Coefficient of Pmax -0.37%/C
Temp Coefficient of Voc - 0.28%/C
Temp Coefficient of Isc 0.048%/C
So 3x panels in series gives 81V Open circuit voltage and 9.66A Isc; ie well within the limits of the Victron 100/50 MPPT, or so I thought?
I was subsequently advised by a Victron products seller that the 100/50 may not be sufficient as when the input voltage is lowered within the controller to work with the battery, the amps could increase to around 60A, which could prove problematic?
I was under the impression that the amps output from the controller would be restricted to a max of 50A?
Also, to confuse me further when I input the specs of these 3 panels in series into the Victron MPPT suggestion site, it recommends the 150/45?
Please can someone clarify if the 100/50 is suitable for my 3 x 200W panels or do I need to return it and buy a larger charge controller? Please note that I have not yet purchased any other components, hence no info for those yet.
Thanks all.
I'm putting together my first proper system using Victron components and purchased the 100/50 MPPT smart charge controller to use with 3x200W panels wired in series. Following the purchase a couple of sources have made me question my choice so I wonder if you can give some clarification please...
My understanding was that as long as you check the Open Circuit Voltage (accounting for temperature coefficients) doesn't exceed the input voltage of the charge controller (leaving sufficient overhead), all should be well.
The specs shown on each panel are:
Max Power at STC (Pmax) 200W
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) 27V
Short Circuit Current (Isc) 9.66A
Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp) 22.6V
Optimum Operating Current (Imp) 8.85A
Temp Coefficient of Pmax -0.37%/C
Temp Coefficient of Voc - 0.28%/C
Temp Coefficient of Isc 0.048%/C
So 3x panels in series gives 81V Open circuit voltage and 9.66A Isc; ie well within the limits of the Victron 100/50 MPPT, or so I thought?
I was subsequently advised by a Victron products seller that the 100/50 may not be sufficient as when the input voltage is lowered within the controller to work with the battery, the amps could increase to around 60A, which could prove problematic?
I was under the impression that the amps output from the controller would be restricted to a max of 50A?
Also, to confuse me further when I input the specs of these 3 panels in series into the Victron MPPT suggestion site, it recommends the 150/45?
Please can someone clarify if the 100/50 is suitable for my 3 x 200W panels or do I need to return it and buy a larger charge controller? Please note that I have not yet purchased any other components, hence no info for those yet.
Thanks all.
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