Charles Harte's posts

Hi Jocelyn, Thanks for the reply. Unfortunetly I am running a 24 volt system using 12 Rolls S 590 batteries and a Outback 24/2500 inverter.
So I guess am I wondering if in reality if the flex 80 can handle the wattage, granted it is over spec, but will it work. To replace the wiring would be a expensive and time consuming affair.. I have 1/0 wiring in a 1 1/2 conduit now. Poor planning on my part, but this is where I am at. I plan to upgrade the inverter, but was staying with 24v. This is kinda my biggest question right now. I will be calling as I have a few items to buy, but I understand you may be hesitent to offer an opinion that is not "textbook".

I have a question about Charge Controllers and how much they can handle. I am in a position where I have increased my panel output but am unable to run wire for multiple Controllers it is a concrete structure with a embedded chase way. How much amps can a Flex 80 actually handle? I realize that it is rated for 80 amps, but i have to assume there is a design safety factor. I wish to run 12 Canadian Solar 255 panels. Again the wattage is over the rating as well. What in the real world would happen to the Controller if i did this. Last year I ran 9 through a flex 60.  The setup is in Jamaica so local Elect. code is not an issue. Thanks.

Amy, Thanks I see what you mean and agree. I do happen to have a extra flex 80 that I haven't opened yet but with only 1 set of 1/0 wire going from my combiner to the CC a second CC would be useless, I do not have room in my conduit for a second run I also would prefer to use the higher voltage as opposed to 4 strings. My old Battery bank suffered a major problem last year with all the positive post terminals swelling and deforming the cases. ie. I was only using 6 evergreen 200 watt panels and believe I had outgrown my previous battery bank of 8 215  6volt batteries  wired for 24 volt. I have purchased 4 sets of mc4 cables but won't receive them till Thursday. With what Batteries cost I want to make sure I do the best I can. So with 2 sets of 6 panels wired for higher voltage you believe I will get enough amp to keep the batteries topped. I am currently using a flex 60 assuming I need to change to the 80?

Question I have 12 Canadian solar 255 watt panels. Is it better for me to series fewer panels to increase amps, or more panels to have a higher voltage. I have 12 Rolls S530 batteries configured for 24 volt. It was suggested that I wire 4 sets of 3 panels, as opposed to 2 sets of 6. wire size for voltage drop is not an issue. What would you suggest

I have an off grid system here in Jamaica. Yesterday my system went south, the Charge Controller says that the Batteries are at 26.9-27.2 and says that they are floating but put a load on it and the inverter Faults and shuts down. I have (6) 200 watt Evergreen Panels, Outback CC, Outback2524 inverter and 8 215ah wired into 2 strings for 24 volt. Average use is 4.4 which I admit was more than I had expected so soon. Biggest thing is (6) batteries are @6.35 one is @7.64 and one is at 8.06. how can a 6 volt battery have more than 6.3 volts. I am able to run things off the panels but does anyone have any ideas

James, Thanks for your reply. I Kind of figured that it would be safer using 2 strings. I came up with 2.5 percent voltage drop, but don't quite understand the current calculations??? Could you explain  Thanks

I have 6 Evergreen 200 watt panels running into a Outback MX60 controller after a 70 ft. run, using 1/0 cable. I am switching from 12V to 24V. My question is is it better for me to connect all 6 panels in series, or break them up into strings (ex. 3 sets of 2, or 2 sets of 3 panels) into a combiner box. Either way I will be using the step down feature in the controller. Thanks

after reading that I have but 1 question, Since I have a reinforced concrete home  If I attach my ground from the panels to rebar that is connected to my foundation/footings would that act as ground for just my panels? I have a separate ground rod pounded in for the ground for the balance of system

Thanks for your reply. If I am using 1/0 wire from the panels to the controller do I need to run that as my ground, and most important does that also work for lighting protection or do I need to run a separate cable for that. Thanks  Pharte76 @ comcast.net

I am trying to find out the ground wiring sizes for a roof mounted array. Is the frame ground also the lighting ground, if not does the ground wire run ( in my case) inside the conduet or separately. I find lots of info on voltage drop but very little on ground. At present my ground wire #8 goes through the conduet, the disconnect(with lighting arrester) charge controller, circuit breaker to the lighting rod pounded into the ground next to my batteries. How did I do? What should I do if this is incorrect. Thanks for any and all help with this

Hi I'm wondering is there any real benefit of having a battery bank larger than a 12 volt system. With the MPPT controllers allowing a higher voltage input (allowing a smaller diameter wire run) do I really need to step up to a 24/48 system. As we all know inverters are not cheap. I am building a system for my retirement home out of the country, and am adding a new component on every year. My fridge is 12 volt and I am at the point where I need to get a pump for water pressure and a Air X Marine wind generator. So is 12 volt good or do I need to get a transformer for my fridge and upgrade to a 24/48 inverter, Thanks