max disconnect

[yycwrangler]

Hello everyone..Jumping into solar for the first time. Have a renogy package (I know eyes are rolling). 4X100 panels/40amp rover mppt. I want to put a disconnect between the PV and mppt. I looked at the back of one of the panels and it states "max series fuse size rating 15 amp". Does that mean I should be buying a disconnect switch with a 15 amp max fuse rating or does that mean 15 amp per panel which equals a disconnect switch of 60 amps (4X15amp)
Thanks for any positive feedback..Cheers Al from Calgary Putting them in series.

 

[MisterSandals]

does that mean 15 amp per panel which equals a disconnect switch of 60 amps (4X15amp)

Are your panels connected in series or parallel? If all parallel, you need each fused to 15A and your switch needs to handle the Isc x 4.

 

[yycwrangler]

Are your panels connected in series or parallel? If all parallel, you need each fused to 15A and your switch needs to handle the Imp x 4.

They will in series for now..Thinking 2S2P down the road

 

[MisterSandals]

They will in series for now..Thinking 2S2P down the road

Then you need a switch to handle your panel Isc now and 2x Isc down the road.

sorry i wrote Imp in previous post. Correcting.

 

[yycwrangler]

so would be wrong in saying a 15amp switch for now..thanks for your help

 

[Dynoman]

so would be wrong in saying a 15amp switch for now..thanks for your help

This is the switch used in my system between panels and Rover. It has worked well for years.

Amazon.com

Also for the Renogy Rover you will probably find this message on this forum helpful.

Renogy 40a mppt Li settings

Thanks for the info, I get no heat from the 2 awg wire so that's good for me. Just ordered a 40a circuit breaker to go between the charge controller and batteries plus the Blue Sea 5191 terminal block and 200a fuse today. The 8 guage is less than 2 feet and I did find a little heat when the...

diysolarforum.com

After reading the message suggest reading the entire thread for more info on the Rover.

Hope it helps...

 

[corn18]

For some reason someone convinced me that solar disconnects should be double pole. So I went with these:

Amazon.com

 

[yycwrangler]

This is the switch used in my system between panels and Rover. It has worked well for years.

Amazon.com

Also for the Renogy Rover you will probably find this message on this forum helpful.

Renogy 40a mppt Li settings

Thanks for the info, I get no heat from the 2 awg wire so that's good for me. Just ordered a 40a circuit breaker to go between the charge controller and batteries plus the Blue Sea 5191 terminal block and 200a fuse today. The 8 guage is less than 2 feet and I did find a little heat when the...

diysolarforum.com

After reading the message suggest reading the entire thread for more info on the Rover.

Hope it helps...

The looks like a great switch..does it also work as a fuse

 

[yycwrangler]

For some reason someone convinced me that solar disconnects should be double pole. So I went with these:

Amazon.com

thats the one I have been looking at..Just not sure what fuse size it should be on 4X100 watt PV's

 

[0truck0]

If you only want a switch, then you just need it to not trip falsely.
If panel maxes out at 15 amps, then do not put in a 14 amp breaker. You can put a 20, 30, 100 if all you want is a switch. Breakers make good light switches....
Might as well have a proper sized breaker if you are going to have one anyway.
You do want a switch so you can disconnect the solar first before disconnecting the battery.

 

[yycwrangler]

If you only want a switch, then you just need it to not trip falsely.
If panel maxes out at 15 amps, then do not put in a 14 amp breaker. You can put a 20, 30, 100 if all you want is a switch. Breakers make good light switches....
Might as well have a proper sized breaker if you are going to have one anyway.
You do want a switch so you can disconnect the solar first before disconnecting the battery.

can I ask what you would suggest based ion the following info

4 Pcs 100 Watt 12 Volt
Monocrystalline Solar Panel
Maximum Power: 100W (each solar panel)
Maximum System Voltage: 600V DC (UL)
Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc): 22.3V
Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 5.86A
Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp):
18.6V
Optimum Operating Current (Imp):
5.38A

 

[Rogerb]

Go with the one @corn18 recommends, but use the 16 amp one amazon.com , whether you go with 4S1P, or 2S2P.
Remember, series adds voltage 4S1P (22.3v x 4 = 89.2v. 5.86a).
Parallel adds amperage 2S2P (5.86a x 2 = 11.72a. 22.3 x 2 = 44.6v) .
So you would be ok with the 16a pv breaker in either scenario.

 

[yycwrangler]

Go with the one @corn18 recommends, but use the 16 amp one amazon.com , whether you go with 4S1P, or 2S2P.
Remember, series adds voltage 4S1P (22.3v x 4 = 89.2v. 5.86a).
Parallel adds amperage 2S2P (5.86a x 2 = 11.72a. 22.3 x 2 = 44.6v) .
So you would be ok with the 16a pv breaker in either scenario.

thank you for the understandable description. I save lives for a living so this math stuff can be somewhat confusing. So 2 pole, 16amp or round up to 20 amp of I can't find a 16 amp. Does it matter the volts of the 2 pole breaker. last question, what about a fuse from the 2...100ah lifepo4 batteries to a 2000watt pure sign inverter..What would you recommend there..Cheers Al

 

[Rogerb]

The breaker indicated is rated for 1Kv, so no issues there.
Changing the breaker size can have negative implications for the wire currently used.
Don't want your wire acting like an induction stove. lol.
Found this one on amazon.ca.
The other option is to use a 15a blade fuse and holder before the breaker, then you can use whatever size breaker you want, but that adds
more complication and cost, if you ask me.

Your 2 lifepo4 batteries are 12v?
2000w / 12v = 166a / 0.85 (inverter efficiency) = 196a (potential max amp draw)
Wire 2/0 and fuse rated for 200a would be the absolute minimum for both.

 

[Dynoman]

The looks like a great switch..does it also work as a fuse

No the switch is only for disconnect of both the + and - terminals of the solar panels to the to the Rover.

I also added a Littlefuse fuse holder & fuse that are designed for the solar panel + wire input to the Rover. Place it in-between the switch and Rover mounted on a din rail. See the links. Also see attached data sheets.

The switch and fuse are mounted indoors just before the Rover solar panel input connections.

Fuse Holder

New Littelfuse LPHV Powr-Safe Fuse Holder 1000VDC / 30A Single Pole w 5A Fuse | eBay

Power Supplies/Circuit Breaker. Fuse TypeFerraz Shawmut HP10M5 (5A - Qty 1). Cable Chains. Holder ModelLPHV. Holder Max Current30A. Safety Hardware for Automation. is not received back in the condition it was sent.

www.ebay.com

15 amp fuse for 4 series panels

Littelfuse KLKD015 Fuse, Fast Acting, 15A, KLKD Series, 600Vac, 600Vdc, 1-1/2" | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Littelfuse KLKD015 Fuse, Fast Acting, 15A, KLKD Series, 600Vac, 600Vdc, 1-1/2" at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

30 amp fuse for 2S2P down the road

Littelfuse KLKD 30 (KLKD 30A) 30 Amp (30A) Midget Fast Acting Fuse 600V# | eBay

The item in the actual use of the process of quality problems.

www.ebay.com

I am not a fan of circuit breakers and prefer switches and fuses. If going the breaker route suggest a good quality one from Midnite Solar. They have good support. Contact them for help in choosing the proper breaker for your application.

Product Categories - MidNite Solar

Display's a list of product categories

www.midnitesolar.com

If a switch is needed outside at solar panels this one is rated for 32 amps.

IMO DC Disconnect Rooftop Isolator Switch

IEC 60364-7-712, dc disconnect, imo, ul listed, DC AC, DC DISC

signaturesolar.com