|
|
Post by snowbird on Oct 6, 2016 3:57:49 GMT -8
I recently purchased the 100w suitcase and used 10ga. wiring and a 20amp Viewstar controller. I also used mc4 branch connectors Y in case I ever wanted to add another panel in parallel to this setup. Has anyone ever done this. Is their any potential problem? Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by rabird on Oct 6, 2016 16:25:28 GMT -8
I see no problem with adding 100 watts, the first 100 is approx 6A so an additional 6A is well with the 20A rating.
I love the ViewStar, Renogy once sold the 100 watt suitcase with 10A ViewStar.
|
|
|
|
Post by snowbird on Oct 6, 2016 18:40:03 GMT -8
Thx.I thought I read somewhere that you shouldn't connect more than two panels together. So I wasn't sure if the two panels that make up the suitcase constitute the two panels. I also really like the ViewStar. Putting together a
Vinyl/Velcro flap to give it some rain protection.
|
|
|
|
Post by rabird on Oct 7, 2016 8:18:56 GMT -8
There is rule of thumb about fusing panels before the controller in parallel that 2 does not need fusing but more than 2 does.
This is based on larger 8+A panels w/ 10g.
If ya have 3 15A panels with 10g and 1 shorts, the 2 remaining can exceed the 10g wire rating 2x15 =30A but then ya multiple by 1.25 for the panel exceeding its rating and another 1.25 for NEC. 30 x 1.25 x 1.25 = 47A > 30A 10g wire. If ya had 2 15A and one shorts the one good one 15A x 1.25 x 1.25 = 23.4A < 30A 10 g wire.
You have 2 x 50 watts or 2x2.7A adding another 2x2.7A = no harm, each 2.7A x 1.25 x 1.25 = 4.2A, if one of the 4 shorts you could see 4.2A x 3 from the other 3 = 12.6A which is well under the 10g wire 30A rating.
|
|
|
|
Post by snowbird on Oct 7, 2016 9:44:57 GMT -8
Wow......good information...Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by snowbird on Oct 10, 2016 3:49:03 GMT -8
So here is my solution for some rain protection for the controller. I used a piece of clear vinyl from the local hobby store and Velcro along the top edge with a Velcro strap around the wires at the bottom. It moves freely when opening or closing the case and doesn't interfere with using the buttons on the controller. It looks like it will survive a passing rain storm and moderate wind.....but I haven't tried it yet. Attachments:
|
|
