[RE-wrenches] PWM Controllers in parallel

Tue May 7 12:09:49 PDT 2024

Sorry yes for clarification that he wants to parallel the INPUTS I am aware of paralleling the outputs we do that all the time. Sorry for the confusion but seems like the census now says NO on paralleling the 2 inputs from one array. 

Andrew Perkins

Greenwired 

P: 707-923-2001 ext. 100

1150 #1 Evergreen Rd

Redway, CA 95560

http://www.greenwired.com

---- On Tue, 07 May 2024 11:58:37 -0700 Howie Michaelson via RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote ---

Yes, output not input. Thanks for clarifying that William...

Howie

Sun Catcher

Solar Electric Systems Sales & Service
802-272-0004

On Tue, May 7, 2024 at 2:55 PM William Miller via RE-wrenches <mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

Andrew:

I see no problem paralleling the Charge Controller outputs but I would not parallel the inputs.  With parallel inputs, unless there is protection to prevent excessive current, there is a risk that one CC will take over and try to regulate the entire array.

I suggest you divide up the panels to create one appropriately sized discrete array into each CC.  You can parallel two strings of panels without OCPD.

William

Miller Solar

17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422

805-438-5600

http://www.millersolar.com/

CA Lic. 773985

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Perkins via RE-wrenches
Sent: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 9:24 AM
To: Re Wrenches
Cc: Andrew Perkins
Subject: [RE-wrenches] PWM Controllers in parallel

Hello Wrenches,

                    I have a client who has a large 2000 watt 12v array that he said used to be hooked into an internal solar charger on his old trace. Never seen a trace with one of those in it but he claims it could do 200a. This internal charger has now died and needs a replacement. He is refusing to rewire his panels into a new configuration and their aren't many options for him out there. I did get him a Coleman Aire 400a Charge controller but it is more of a load controller and wants to be able to properly absorb is batteries off the sun. He currently has a c60 running only part of the array and now he is asking about running another c60 in parallel. Not quite sure if this would work or not but my gut feeling says no and there will be problems. 

If anyone knows of any controllers that would fit that or if running those in parallel works your advice would be greatly appreciated.  

Andrew Perkins

Greenwired

P: 707-923-2001 ext. 100

1150 #1 Evergreen Rd

Redway, CA 95560

http://www.greenwired.com

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