SCC Guidance Needed...

I need some help in deciding which SCC(s) would be best to utilize on a build.

I have two ground arrays... both utilizing 445W panels. ( Voc 49.9V, Vmp 41.2V, Isc 11.42A, Imp 10.82A )

The first array is comprised of 10 panels, and the problem that I have, is that I am limited to using an existing single pair of inground aluminum 1 AWG cables. ( 170 ft of small diameter conduit prohibits running additional lines)

The second array is likewise 170', but I can add additional wire runs to it as needed. It is a 16 panel array.

These will be feeding a 48V, 63.3kWh battery bank.

I currently have two unused Victron MPPT RS 450/100 SCC's and a new Schneider conext 600/100 SCC. Unfortunately, my solar OCD is kicking in, and these units aren't the best in low light situations, as they have respectively 120V and 190V minimums. This has me wondering if i should instead get the Outback FM100 with its 20V minimum.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

What would you choose to use ????

I would use what you currently have right now, if it turns out after running it for a while, you can prove a different SCC would be better, then try it.

So for array 1, 10s with the 600/100. That about maxes out array 1.

For array 2, if possible run another set of cables then have 8s into a Victron 450/100 and the other 8s into the other Victron 450/100. (As long as this works with the cold weather and the VOC increasing with the cold weather). If you need more solar, these arrays could be expanded because you are not using all the capacity of the two SCC’s.

Get er done, then go back and refine the project.

Good Luck!

Thanks so much...

With 1 AWG aluminum wire, 10A is really a small load to be running through it. BTW, it is well understood that Al oxide is very insulative, so when making connections to this Al wire, make very sure that you are cotacting fresh Al surface, and are using the recommended bonding paste to prevent oxide formation.


Just how cold does your Northern California location get? Midnight's string calculator predicts your Voc will bump up to the 600V limit at ~32F. That's really cold, but not that uncommon for the high Sierra. Ignore the Design check section. That is spec'ed for Midnight voltage limits.

It looks like great minds think alike... I likewise have been using MidNite's calculator pretty extensively.

Thanks for the anti-oxidant recommendation.

It usually only hits 30*F once or twice here at night in the winter. The coldest day on record was 33 years ago when it hit 12*F overnight.