12v turned into 24v
- Thread starter LadyAlison S3o5l6a1r
- Start date
LakeHouse
Solar Enthusiast
Yes.
Those panels could definitely be configured to work with a 24V system. You'll probably need to wire them differently than they are wired now, and you may need to replace the Charge Controller, or at the very least program it differently. But in both cases, maybe not, depending on what the current setup is.
Those panels could definitely be configured to work with a 24V system. You'll probably need to wire them differently than they are wired now, and you may need to replace the Charge Controller, or at the very least program it differently. But in both cases, maybe not, depending on what the current setup is.
Last edited:
LadyAlison S3o5l6a1r
New Member
Thank you so much so now that I can do it I will research how to do it... still learning myself. If I can use the panels I'm willing to replace the other parts to accommodate the change.
LadyAlison S3o5l6a1r
New Member
Wondering in what to wire then in... series or parallel to make that change now?
seneysolar
Solar Addict
Which battery voltage did you decide on? Do you already have the charge controller?
Got a picture of the label on back of panels?
In general, series connect the panels to raise voltage. Most MPPT charge controllers can handle 150v of PV Input. Look at your panel Voc and MPPT spec for input, dont go over that.
Youll be in the neighborhood of 100 amps of 24v or 50 amps of 48v charging current.
Got a picture of the label on back of panels?
In general, series connect the panels to raise voltage. Most MPPT charge controllers can handle 150v of PV Input. Look at your panel Voc and MPPT spec for input, dont go over that.
Youll be in the neighborhood of 100 amps of 24v or 50 amps of 48v charging current.
LadyAlison S3o5l6a1r
New Member
LadyAlison S3o5l6a1r
New Member
What do you thi k I should wire them in?... they are in series now.
LadyAlison S3o5l6a1r
New Member
2 Renogy 12V 200AH Rechargeable Deep Cycle Hybrid GEL Battery; 40A MPPT Charge Controller w/ Bluetooth; ROVER LI 60A MPPT SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER
seneysolar
Solar Addict
Im sure you don't have all 24 panels in series.
What is the Voc of your panels? This can be found on the label
What is the Voc of your panels? This can be found on the label
LadyAlison S3o5l6a1r
New Member
OK I will take a pic of that today... thank you so much for your help me.
LadyAlison S3o5l6a1r
New Member
Voc 24.4
seneysolar
Solar Addict
Ok the 60A charge controller can take 140v or 1600w in. So 3 strings parallel of 5 panels in series- thats 5 panels hooked pos to neg, then parallel the remaining pos / neg into some sort of combiner box. I prefer the Midnite MNPV3.
The 40A charge controller can only take 95v or 1040w PV in. So that would look like 3 strings of 3 panels- thats 3 panels in series pos to neg then parallel 3 strings in a different combiner box. Again a 2nd Midnite MNPV3 would work great.
Those charge controllers are auto voltage sense on the battery side so just put your 12v batteries in series (pos to neg) to get 24v.
WARNING- Renogy says max continous charge rate for your batteries is 60A, you have over 100 here, might want to add another pair of batteries to take the hit.
The 40A charge controller can only take 95v or 1040w PV in. So that would look like 3 strings of 3 panels- thats 3 panels in series pos to neg then parallel 3 strings in a different combiner box. Again a 2nd Midnite MNPV3 would work great.
Those charge controllers are auto voltage sense on the battery side so just put your 12v batteries in series (pos to neg) to get 24v.
WARNING- Renogy says max continous charge rate for your batteries is 60A, you have over 100 here, might want to add another pair of batteries to take the hit.
LadyAlison S3o5l6a1r
New Member
OK ordering I'm ordering the 2 Midnite MNPV3 Combiner box now. Should I put 20A in the boxes? Also ordering 2 more batteries on the 1st.
AGAIN, I HAVE TO SAY I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP AND THE FACT THAT YOU MAKE IT EASY TO UNDERSTAND.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
seneysolar
Solar Addict
MNEPV15-150 would be good, still overkill for your panels, but they are basically used as disconnects and wiring protection. Still useable if you get larger panels in the future too.
Happy to help!
Happy to help!
LadyAlison S3o5l6a1r
New Member
WoW I was looking at then and wondering if It would hurt if I go larger cause my goal is 48v.
Where could I order that one (MidNite MNEPV15-150 Solar Combiner box)???? Thank you for answering that unasked question. What size fuse? Would the larger fuse hurt or help?
seneysolar
Solar Addict
MNEPV15-150 is the breaker size. (15A @150vdc) They fit in the combiner boxes you ordered. If you want more spaces in the combiner box, the MNPV6 would be the next step with 6 spaces instead of 3.
The best companies that i have found to source with are Altestore.com and solar-electric.com. Both have fantastic people working there.
Typically the solar panel itself specs the max series breaker recommended. These 15A should handle panels up to the 400-425watt range and still protect any wiring, it does not matter the battery voltage. Honestly you should be good for a while, but if you are looking to grow your solar input youll want to get higher wattage panels, doing a large array with 100w panels can be alot of wiring is all.
Example, you could double your solar array with just 6 - 400watt panels on a pole mount instead of 24 small panels
LadyAlison S3o5l6a1r
New Member
I plan to add larger panels which is why whatever I buy from now on needs to work for a 48v system ...
did I say that right? This is why I want to upgrade from a 12V to a 48v. Thank you
much.
seneysolar
Solar Addict
Yes, breakers on the PV side dont care about battery voltage.I plan to add larger panels which is why whatever I buy from now on needs to work for a 48v system ...
Thank you
Fyi, If going to 48v now, you'll want to series all 4 batteries. I understood it as you were going to 24v like the thread title.
What inverter do you have?, this is the deciding factor.
Panel arrangement can stay the same for both 24 and 48.
