Derating 24v Solar Panels?
I'm considering running two 250w/24v poly panels; tracked/pointed during spring/fall, and flat during the summer; thru the Tracer 3215BN 30a mppt controller. I can also get 200w/24v mono panels, local...
Forum Discussion
Jim,
I'm not sure that the Tracer clips amps? But either way, I would prefer not to push it. I'd rather keep things cooler, and more efficient. In fact, I am considering running the 24v panels in parallel, at times, just to reduce the amount of bucking required.
Realistically, I would rather use a 40a controller, but I have the 30a, so that's what I'm going with... Just gotta refrain from frying it.
At say 20-25 average amps to the bank, during the afternoon hours, that will make up for a large portion of the roughly 40a draw from the 5100 btu a/c, so maybe a 2:1 ratio of solar hours to a/c hours will be needed. On a hot sunny day, from say 11am 'til 7pm, at a 75% a/c duty cycle, that'll still leave me with a ~ 60Ah deficit, so a/c will continue to be a last resort.
I'm not sure that the Tracer clips amps? But either way, I would prefer not to push it. I'd rather keep things cooler, and more efficient. In fact, I am considering running the 24v panels in parallel, at times, just to reduce the amount of bucking required.
Realistically, I would rather use a 40a controller, but I have the 30a, so that's what I'm going with... Just gotta refrain from frying it.
At say 20-25 average amps to the bank, during the afternoon hours, that will make up for a large portion of the roughly 40a draw from the 5100 btu a/c, so maybe a 2:1 ratio of solar hours to a/c hours will be needed. On a hot sunny day, from say 11am 'til 7pm, at a 75% a/c duty cycle, that'll still leave me with a ~ 60Ah deficit, so a/c will continue to be a last resort.
