Solar charge controller selection help needed
I am looking to put in a solar system that will produce about 30 amps per day. I choose a semi-flexible 135 watt panel made by Sunpower which meets my capacity needs. My only problem is choosing t...
Forum Discussion
Thank you all for your help. For reference, the controller I am looking at is the EP Solar Tracer 4215BN (new version) with remote panel and temperature sensor. It is rated at 40 amps battery current and 20 amps load current.
Here is what I understand the consensus to be:
1) I can hook up everything the way I thought in that I can have a parallel charging system. The only contentious portion is using the load terminals to feed the panels.
2) Everybody seems to feel that the load terminals are not designed for high loads, which I understand is the case with some controllers.
I found one person using it the way I want to and he claims that he has no issues. He pointed out that the load terminals on the 4215BN are powered by the panel output and the battery. I don't know if that is a nuance worth mentioning but I assume he felt that this was not the case with other controllers.
I also found this in the manual of the older model:
"Connect load positive (+) and negative (-) to the Tracer load output as shown in figure 3-2. The load terminals may exist voltage, connect carefully to avoid short circuit.
An in-line fuse holder should be wired in series in the load positive (+) or negative (-) wire as shown. Do not insert a fuse at this time. Confirm the connection correct and then turn on the power.
If wiring the load connection to a load distribution panel, each load circuit should be fused separately. The total load draw should not exceed the 20A load rating."
Epsolar (the manufacturer) seems to confirm that I can do exactly what I propose. The new model I am getting boasts improved "diversified load' handling.
Seeing as the 4215BN has protections built in, I will go ahead and use the load terminal to feed the panel and if it does not work, abandon the LDV and get a Vicon.
My final question is what gauge wire do I need for 5' 12 V 20 amp run to the panel and a 2' from the charge controller to the battery?
Here is what I understand the consensus to be:
1) I can hook up everything the way I thought in that I can have a parallel charging system. The only contentious portion is using the load terminals to feed the panels.
2) Everybody seems to feel that the load terminals are not designed for high loads, which I understand is the case with some controllers.
I found one person using it the way I want to and he claims that he has no issues. He pointed out that the load terminals on the 4215BN are powered by the panel output and the battery. I don't know if that is a nuance worth mentioning but I assume he felt that this was not the case with other controllers.
I also found this in the manual of the older model:
"Connect load positive (+) and negative (-) to the Tracer load output as shown in figure 3-2. The load terminals may exist voltage, connect carefully to avoid short circuit.
An in-line fuse holder should be wired in series in the load positive (+) or negative (-) wire as shown. Do not insert a fuse at this time. Confirm the connection correct and then turn on the power.
If wiring the load connection to a load distribution panel, each load circuit should be fused separately. The total load draw should not exceed the 20A load rating."
Epsolar (the manufacturer) seems to confirm that I can do exactly what I propose. The new model I am getting boasts improved "diversified load' handling.
Seeing as the 4215BN has protections built in, I will go ahead and use the load terminal to feed the panel and if it does not work, abandon the LDV and get a Vicon.
My final question is what gauge wire do I need for 5' 12 V 20 amp run to the panel and a 2' from the charge controller to the battery?
