Putting Fuses in a Solar System
According to the Renogy installation diagram there should be a fuse on the positive side between the solar panels and the charge controller, another between the charge controller and the battery, and ...
Forum Discussion
There are only certain sizes of fuses and obviously 27.6 isn't one of them. The NEC states that when your calculations don't fall on a standard size you round up; so yes, a 30A is appropriate.
Fuses also have voltage ratings. Many automotive fuses are only rated for 32 volts. You didn't say what panels you're using but unless you have a big 60 or 72 cell panel the 32 volt rating should be fine.
You apparently have 4 panels in parallel?
If so you need a fuse inline with each parallel panel sized according to the label on the back of the panel. It will likely call for a 12A or 15A fuse. In a solar installation parallel panels are combined with a "combiner box" which would have spots for the fuses or breakers to protect each string.
You would still want the main one in between the combiner box output and the charge controller input. Really, it ought to be a breaker to make disconnecting power easier.
I would use MidNite Solar combiners and DC breakers for your installation.
Fuses also have voltage ratings. Many automotive fuses are only rated for 32 volts. You didn't say what panels you're using but unless you have a big 60 or 72 cell panel the 32 volt rating should be fine.
You apparently have 4 panels in parallel?
If so you need a fuse inline with each parallel panel sized according to the label on the back of the panel. It will likely call for a 12A or 15A fuse. In a solar installation parallel panels are combined with a "combiner box" which would have spots for the fuses or breakers to protect each string.
You would still want the main one in between the combiner box output and the charge controller input. Really, it ought to be a breaker to make disconnecting power easier.
I would use MidNite Solar combiners and DC breakers for your installation.
