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How to Know What Size Fuses to Use on Your Solar System

4/14/2021

2 Comments

 
The fuse between the battery bank and the controller is an ABYC wiring standard requirement.  Everything between the battery bank and an appliance must be fused to meet the standard and pass boat inspection. 

​To determine the size of the fuse needed for the solar system, do the following calculation: Watts of solar /12V (or 24V) = amps + 10 amps.  For example: 240W solar / 12V = 20 amps +10 amps = 30 amp fuse.  Also, many controllers have a built in fuse as a secondary protection.  The protection is against a short circuit overheating the wires to cause a fire.  There is no reason for a fuse between the solar panels and the controller although many customers use a circuit breaker there for the switch.  To calculate the capacity of the switch:  Watts of solar / Voc (open circuit voltage) = amps  For example:  240W solar / 30V = 8 amps.  Note the much lower amperage on the solar side of the controller vs the battery side of the controller in the examples above.  That's MPPT.  Panels never surge power unless hit by lightning.
2 Comments

When and How to Shut Down Your Solar System

4/14/2021

0 Comments

 
.A solar system will typically be putting out 10-30 amps to the battery bank.  An alternator will typically be putting out 45 - 200 amps to the battery bank. So you want everything you can get from the alternator when the engine is running.  Sometimes, on some boats, the alternator will sense the net voltage of the battery bank plus the voltage from the solar controller and see a higher voltage than the actual voltage of the battery bank.  This may cause the alternator to prematurely go into the float charge phase which is low amps.  Thus, the batteries are not getting the full charge from the alternator.  When this happens, you use the switch between the solar array and the controller to turn off the solar so you get full power from the alternator. 

How do you know if the alternator is going into float mode prematurely?  You see it on the amp meter or the battery monitor if the boat has one.  Otherwise it is difficult to tell.  This is the only reason to shut off solar with the switch.  The switch is between the solar panel and the controller because the controller is powered by the battery, not the solar panels and you want to keep power to the controller rather than reboot it all the time. 

There is no harm in having solar, generator, shore power or alternator connected at the same time.  Another consideration: If the batteries are low, it is unlikely the net of the battery voltage and the solar is enough to move the alternator to float mode.  This only happens when the batteries are nearing full charge and it is midday and the solar is putting out a full charge.  It happens on our boat only under these conditions.  Then there is the difference in charging voltage of lead acid and LiFePO4 batteries.  It would seem more likely to happen with LiFePO4 batteries since the charge curves are at a higher voltage.
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    Thomas Trimmer has been cruising with his Ericson 38 sailboat on the Great Lakes for over 20 years.  He has pioneered the use of solar energy for wilderness cruising.  He is continually designing and building equipment to simplify and enhance the cruising experience.

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  • Home
  • Marine Solar Panels
    • Marine Solar Panels
    • Flexible Marine Solar Panels
    • Semi-Rigid Walk On Marine Solar Panels
    • Rigid Marine Solar Panels
    • Stern Rail Mounted Solar Panels
    • Kits - Solar System Kits
    • Van Solar Panels
    • Portable Solar Panels
  • Kits&Electronics
    • Kits - Solar System Kits >
      • Flexible Solar Panel Kits
      • Semi-rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Rigid Solar Panel Kits
      • Auxiliary Solar Panel Kit
      • Portable Solar Panels
    • Solar Controllers & Electrical >
      • MPPT DuoRacer Dual Output Series
      • MPPT Tracer Series
      • MPPT Victron Smart Solar Series
      • MPPT Xtra-N Series
      • PWM Duo Dual Output Controller
      • Electrical Components
    • Mounting Systems >
      • Flexible Panel Mounting Systems
      • Semi-rigid Panel Mounting System
      • Rigid Panel Mounting System - Top Of Pole
    • Inverters
    • Outboard Motor Lifting Crane
    • Solar Water Heating System For Boats
    • Visit Our Store
  • Lithium Batteries
    • LiFePO4 Lithium Batteries
    • Portable Power Stations
  • Reviews & Installations
    • Reviews/Customer Comments
    • Gallery of Installations
  • System Design
  • Support
    • FAQ
    • Solar System Design & Installation
    • Manuals & Information
    • Solar System Installation Pointers
    • Troubleshooting
    • Contact Us
    • Solar System Installers
    • Battery Exchange Plus
    • Handy Products We Don't Carry
    • Freight Forwarders for International Shipping
    • About us
    • Call (248) 705-8337
    • Return Policy
    • Shipping Rates
    • Marine Solar Panel Sizing Calculator Tool
  • Blog