24V panels on a 12V system

[Sidewheeler]

I have access to several 24volt panels and would like to install them on my MH. The question is do they make a controller that will accept 24v and send out 12v to charge the battery's.

[BFL13]

If the OP "has access" to a bunch of free panels, it might be a good idea to only take as many as needed. (Which may require some more questions on here about how much is enough) That way, the controller cost can be kept to what is unavoidable.

[KD4UPL]

I'll mention Blue Sky as another good brand of MPPT controller. Really any of the brands mentioned will serve well if you match their specs to your panels.

[Phils]

I use Outback MPPT controllers (4 of them and one Xantrex)

Outback controllers

I'd also consider Midnite Solar's units, since that company was started by the same people that designed Outback's (and it shows)

Midnite Solar controller

I've also had very good service and reasonable prices from Wind-Sun

Wind-Sun store

They also have an excellent forum

Solar forum

I've been off-grid since the late seventies and I've tried many different brands and sellers over the years.

Phil

[time2roll]

Yes MPPT is made specifically for this application. However they are a bit more expensive so it is best to know the total wattage, Voc, & parallel or series panels to recommend a specific controller. Some may not be compatible and others might be far bigger and more $$ than needed.

I have 3x 225w 24v panels in series driving a Morningstar Tristar MPPT-60.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Up to 480 watts on a 12 volt system for MPPT I think the Rogue 3048 is hard to beat.

Under 800 watts the Tristar MPPT 60 is a great controller.

[handye9]

Yes.

There are several MPPT controllers that are auto sensing. You need to connect batteries to controller first. Controller senses the 12v output. Then connect panels to the controller.

I have two 128 watt 24V panels, one 30 amp MPPT controller, and two 12v batteries. Works good.

[westend]

Can you post the brand name and model of the panels?

[BFL13]

Yes, called MPPT. Note they have a limit on total Voc input. One titch over on that and they fry. If you have three 37Voc panels that is over 100Voc which is a common limit. Some have even lower limits. High Voc limit MPPT controllers cost as much or more than the three panels.

So you can get the panels easy enough but you pay to get them to do anything 😞 How it is.