[quote author=samnaija post=29684607][/quote]

I'm a fan of American spec CC such as Outback, Midnite Solar and Morning Star. These have been tested and proven to be highly reliable and can withstand tough situations as far as it remain within specification. With current dollar rate, going for 60A to 80A CC (if you plan for expansion in future) may set up back around 80-120K. You can contact Richmond74 to help you on this.

You still have the option of some chinko type that has been tested by some users in this forum.

durodee:
Hello house! After using inverter for about 3 years (Sukam 1.4kva, 24v, 2 200amp Luminous batteries ) I decided to upgrade to Solar energy. I was able to get 10 used Full Rivers 12v 200amp batteries, 6 used 180w poly panels ( initially imported from USA, ?24v, 72 cells , no other information available ) and a new 3000w 24v, 50amp charger , 3-1 inverter -charger - charge controller.
I connected only 6 of the batteries to the panels and 4 to the old Sukam.
After installation of the panels (all in parallel ) , the inverter displayed the panels as 24 v and a Max charging current of 20 A so far.

My main questions are:
(1) would it not be better to connect the panels as a 2×3 48v system ?
2) will the new combination not drop the charging capability of my system?
Kindly see the attached pics, all advices welcome!

NOTE: That particular inverter aint really a pure sinewave and has an inbuilt 50A PWM scc... So you need to add more panels to boost d current amperage bt musnt exceed 50A Max... Also check the max DC volt rating and do not try connecting panels in series... Call Frankie "08135031951" for detailed enquiry. Thanks!

HAPPY NEW YEAR PALS !!!

Latest Model EP SOLAR " i TRACER " charge controllers now in stock
60a 12v/24v/36v/48v MPPT CC with 150v max "Load control feature,inbuilt LCD display, internet kit, ethernet cords and cd rom @ 90k
EP Solar 30a PWM CC @ 30k

Trojan USA Flooded deep cycle batteries still in stock .. J185p 12v 205a

Perlight solar panels 80,140w monocrystalline , 200w & 240w polycrystalline panels also in stock

3.5kva 24v "lcd display and 70a adjustable max charge current" / 2kva 24v "20a max charge current" / 1kva 12v "20a max charge current" Pure sinewave inverters (1 year warranty).

Safe Power 1.5kva 24v Indian Pure sinewave Inverter

Call Sir Frankie "08135031951" now for detailed enquiry, supplies, home delivery and waybill outside Lagos city ... THANKS !!

Please Help
I have 16 x 100 watt panels, 8 x 200Ah @10hrs Luminous batteries, 1 piece 5 Kva Genus Sure Sine Wave Inverter, 4 charge controllers. Things are fine when there is sun. But when the sun goes down the inverter starts to beep. What could be the problem?

@Richmond74
Thanks for the mounting rails, delivered intact, I wil upload d pics wen installed by month end.

SolarMuntula:
Please Help
I have 16 x 100 watt panels, 8 x 200Ah @10hrs Luminous batteries, 1 piece 5 Kva Genus Sure Sine Wave Inverter, 4 charge controllers. Things are fine when there is sun. But when the sun goes down the inverter starts to beep. What could be the problem?

your batteries are probablly bad...............or your load is to much doing the day, that few energy/amps is flowing to ur batts to charge.....i suspect this ur 4 cc setup, who connected it for you?...a single 60amp mppt cc can handle ur 16 units solar panels

what is the amp reading on ur charge controller during the day?
why do u have 4 charge controllers?
how are the cc connected?

Thanks salam12 and kiekie1! Info and advices noted. With severe daytime rationing, I am presently managing not to dip below 23.5v after overnight use.

Since I am not able to add more panels for now ( seems my system can only take 2 more 180w panels anyway) I will be forced to rely on Nepa to supply the needed amps to charge my system effectively.

SolarMuntula:
Please Help
I have 16 x 100 watt panels, 8 x 200Ah @10hrs Luminous batteries, 1 piece 5 Kva Genus Sure Sine Wave Inverter, 4 charge controllers. Things are fine when there is sun. But when the sun goes down the inverter starts to beep. What could be the problem?

Please let us know the following:

1) Panel spec
2) CC spec
3) Inverter spec
4) Panels combination to each CC

salam12:


Please let us know the following:

1) Panel spec
2) CC spec
3) Inverter spec
4) Panels combination to each CC

5) Load
6) Daily energy use

durodee:
Thanks salam12 and kiekie1! Info and advices noted. With severe daytime rationing, I am presently managing not to dip below 23.5v after overnight use.

Since I am not able to add more panels for now ( seems my system can only take 2 more 180w panels anyway) I will be forced to rely on Nepa to supply the needed amps to charge my system effectively.

Yes, 2 more 180w panels will effectively charge ur bank...

kiekie1:

3.5kva 24v "lcd display and 70a adjustable max charge current"

How much??

SolarMuntula:
Please Help
I have 16 x 100 watt panels, 8 x 200Ah @10hrs Luminous batteries, 1 piece 5 Kva Genus Sure Sine Wave Inverter, 4 charge controllers. Things are fine when there is sun. But when the sun goes down the inverter starts to beep. What could be the problem?

lol, i was once in your shoe but thanks to Abunafiu and Richmond74 who rescued me. you have no cc, i will bet my flooded batteries i bought from Richmond74 that you don't get unto 400w for the whole day with that toy. i bought this toy from amazon, the most annoying thing is the review http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCTLIHC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 after suffering for many months with complains i ended up with this http://www.aliexpress.com/item/12-24V-Auto-40A-MPPT-Solar-Charge-Controller-Regulators/778003379.html that was when i knew you can charge your batteries and power some equipment with solar. i still have the pwm at giveaway price

Barezzi:


How much??

Kindly call my mobile number dear Barezzi .. Thanks !!

Can someone give me a quote for:
Flexmax mppt cc
Morning star mppt cc
MUST inverter

Please give the various options available so I can choose according to my budget.
email: idyette@gmail.com

bode4real:
@Richmond74
Thanks for the mounting rails, delivered intact, I wil upload d pics wen installed by month end.

You are welcome and thanks for your business.
waitting for the pictures

Sun is changing position. repositioning my panels

Please advice before i do something wrong!

48VDC/800AH battery and load of 3000W(extimated) running on inverter.(24hours on weekends and about 12hours on weekdays)


Below is my own configuration:
24pcs of 255W solarworld panel and 2pcs of 80A outback CC.


I intend to install as follows:
12 panels(3-strings and 4 parallel) per 80A outback CC giving me 3060W from my panels at 100%- set A (this should give me about 63A @48v)
12 panels(3-strings and 4 parallel) per 80A outback CC giving me 3060W from my panels at 100%- set B (this should give me about 63A @48v)
Connect both sets A nd B from the Charge Controller through separate breakers to the 800AH/48VDC battery system.

Since my batteries total AH is 800AH, it means i would want to charge at 10%+ rated (i.e 80A charging current) which am sure to get from my 2 charge controllers PLUS extra current for my load during day time.

QUESTIONS (Put into consideration the batteries are fixed, other components can be adjusted)
AM I on the right path?
Is using the 2 charge controllers justifiable?
Are the nos of panels OK for this system?
What is the minimum and maximum configuration i can use in this situation?
Considering cost, if i am to use just one CC, how many panels would you recommend?
If am to totally go off grid, what config would be the best?


Thanks as i await your professional response.

@schneid,
Every thing you have up there is correct, apart from ur battery bank.
To carry ur 3kw load, u need to double ur bank to 1600Ah.

That ur load plenty o!
The number of panels are ok, two CCs are very much justified.

One CC cannot effectively charge a 1600Ah bank.
The Max number of 255w solar world panels u can put on one flexmax 80 CC is 15 (3 series 5 parallel)...and ur maximum current will of course be 80A.

schneid:
Please advice before i do something wrong!

48VDC/800AH battery and load of 3000W(extimated) running on inverter.(24hours on weekends and about 12hours on weekdays)


Below is my own configuration:
24pcs of 255W solarworld panel and 2pcs of 80A outback CC.


I intend to install as follows:
12 panels(3-strings and 4 parallel) per 80A outback CC giving me 3060W from my panels at 100%- set A (this should give me about 63A @48v)
12 panels(3-strings and 4 parallel) per 80A outback CC giving me 3060W from my panels at 100%- set B (this should give me about 63A @48v)
Connect both sets A nd B from the Charge Controller through separate breakers to the 800AH/48VDC battery system.

Since my batteries total AH is 800AH, it means i would want to charge at 10%+ rated (i.e 80A charging current) which am sure to get from my 2 charge controllers PLUS extra current for my load during day time.

QUESTIONS (Put into consideration the batteries are fixed, other components can be adjusted)
AM I on the right path?
Is using the 2 charge controllers justifiable?
Are the nos of panels OK for this system?
What is the minimum and maximum configuration i can use in this situation?
Considering cost, if i am to use just one CC, how many panels would you recommend?
If am to totally go off grid, what config would be the best?


Thanks as i await your professional response.

To add to what Barezzi said

3000W for 24hrs = 72,000WH
72,000 / System voltage (48Vdc) = 1500AH (with Inverter loss 1600AH)
At 50% DoD, then you need 3200AH battery bank (Your current battery bank x 4)

You should be fine with 1600AH battery bank if running for just 12hrs

Thanks barezzi and cogumo. Just like I said the battery bank is a "fix factor" here. Doubling the batteries is a suicide mission on cost.

The most important info is the use of 2 CC which is justifiable and the max array of 15panels for one CC which i believe would be the worst case scenerio if total cost would be an issue. Though 80A would be OK for the "charging ONLY " disregarding day time usage through inverter load.

Thanks again gentlemen

all,
ok so i did a turn-around maintenance on my battery bank last year shortly before christmas. basically what i did was to
rotate individual batteries within their strings. luckily for me, each separate strings of 48v batteries share equal distances
to the inverter so that left me with lesser problems to worry about.

more pics

after rotating the batteries, i took nominal voltages of each batteries before connection. details will be in subsequent
posts.

also, i seized the opportunity to replace the bls (battery life saver) which was damaged in a lightning strike early
last year. and yes, more importantly, the midnite solar lightning arrestor now finds a place in my set up!

schneid:
Please advice before i do something wrong!

48VDC/800AH battery and load of 3000W(extimated) running on inverter.(24hours on weekends and about 12hours on weekdays)


Below is my own configuration:
24pcs of 255W solarworld panel and 2pcs of 80A outback CC.


I intend to install as follows:
12 panels(3-strings and 4 parallel) per 80A outback CC giving me 3060W from my panels at 100%- set A (this should give me about 63A @48v)
12 panels(3-strings and 4 parallel) per 80A outback CC giving me 3060W from my panels at 100%- set B (this should give me about 63A @48v)
Connect both sets A nd B from the Charge Controller through separate breakers to the 800AH/48VDC battery system.

Since my batteries total AH is 800AH, it means i would want to charge at 10%+ rated (i.e 80A charging current) which am sure to get from my 2 charge controllers PLUS extra current for my load during day time.

QUESTIONS (Put into consideration the batteries are fixed, other components can be adjusted)
AM I on the right path?
Is using the 2 charge controllers justifiable?
Are the nos of panels OK for this system?
What is the minimum and maximum configuration i can use in this situation?
Considering cost, if i am to use just one CC, how many panels would you recommend?
If am to totally go off grid, what config would be the best?


Thanks as i await your professional response.

I usually don't like commenting quickly on this kind of design posts for a couple of reasons. I usually allow others to do so first while I read. One of the reasons is that I don't usually comment is the fact that the actual applications from my experiences might differ very well from the theoretical designs.

Like Barezzi and c0ogumo has calculated for you, sometimes you will see that if you want to follow the actual dos and don'ts according to the theories you won't install solar.

As a man in the field, the truth is your configuration is perfectly ok for the real life practical application. You'll be shocked that you will hardly run your battery bank (which is theoretically incomplete) down to 50% as long as you have that amount of solar panels installed. This config will run off-grid without any stress. Reason being that you'll learn and adjust your load as time goes on.

Now for the question of if you have to use one cc. Just like I said before that if you want to do all that the solar theory says you won't install solar. The manufacturers of the CCs calculates the number of panels the cc can carry by the rated current carrying capacity and that is why Barezzi said you can load up to 15 panels. But the solar standards say you should leave a head room of about 30 to 40 percent on the cc current capacity meaning if you are using an 80A cc the max load on it should be in the region of 3kw as in your design.

In actual application, I have loaded 18 255W solar panels on an Outback FM80 charge controller (theoretically wrong) on more than one installation site and it works effectively. Why? The reason is simple, it is only very few minutes in very few days of the year that the power output from the panels will hit 100% and above (as in the case of Solarworld Panels) and in such cases the cc will simply clip the excess current and no harm is done to no one. Those moments are very few that they are insignificant. For the remaining larger part of the day/year the output power will remain within the region of 80% (that's about 76A) peak which is safe for your CC operating level.

In summary, you can install up to 18 panels on FM80 should you want to cut cost as you said.

Also remember to use professional accessories for all the stages to achieve a high efficiency.

Do not also forget to buy our Professional Solar Mounts (page 79 of this thread)

Hope this helps someone

In page 79 of this thread I advertised our Pro Solar Mounts. I'll post some pictures of some of our installations we've done using them and how it has help us accomplish difficult tasks.

This was one very challenging installation because the roof was so steep (56 degrees slop) and almost impossible to climb. Just like walking on a wall but our Adjustable angle Pro Solar Mount sets made it a bit easier and the structure came out solid and satisfactory.

Here are the components:


THE ADJUSTABLE FRONT LEG Installed
The front lag has 2 rubber washers under as shown in the picture below. Those rubbers enables the leg to firmly fasten to the roofing material and also helps to prevent watter from leaking through the installation holes.

The Adjustable rare legs mounted

Rails and joiners attached to Front and Rare Legs for 12 panels in one row.

Solar Panels attached using the Mid and End Clamps

With this system you can adjust your solar panels installation to your desired angle even after you have installed all your panels