80VDC 10A fuse?
Thinking of arranging my solar setup "the right way" - add all the recommended fuses, like PV fuse, battery fuse, controller fuse and load fuse. It works as it is, so I'm going against the rule "it wo...
Forum Discussion
Hi KD4UPL,
I always thought that volts in series add and amps in series do NOT add. Are solar panels some sort of "special case"?
I always thought that volts in series add and amps in series do NOT add. Are solar panels some sort of "special case"?
KD4UPL wrote:
Let's say you have 4 panels in series at 8 amps each. If one panel shorts out the other 3 panels will try to push 24 amps thru it. This isn't good and will burn out the diodes, traces, cells, etc.
With only 1 string as I believe the OP has there is a much lesser risk.
It's possible the panel could short as well as the charge controller, this would sent battery current directly thru a shorted panel. Very far fetched I realize but it's happened. There have been fires caused by shorted solar panels on buildings. That's why article 690 of the NEC goes into great detail about where fuses should be placed. I realize the NEC doesn't really apply to DIY RV wiring but it's still a great resource and guide for proper system design.
