Check my solar setup please.

[mistersmith2017]

Does anyone see a problem with this combination?

Grape Solar GS-S-250-Fab5 250-Watt Monocrystalline Solar Panel
with
Blue Sky Energy Solar Boost 2512iX 12V Solar Charge Controller

They are both on Amazon. The controller is 25 amp. I have been debating between 200-300 watts and single vs multiple panels. I heard the larger panels (250watt) will require a MPPT controller...which this one is. So this should work right?

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by mistersmith2017

. So this should work right?

Sounds like it. Take the spec data for the panel and go over to the Blue Sky site and see if they have a selection program for the controller .

[djmarchand]

I don't think that controller will work with that panel. I suspect that the panels Voc (the voltage at open circuit conditions) is in the range of 35 to 38 V. If you can find a spec sheet for that panel, look for the Voc spec. But all panels of this nature have about the same voltage specs.

The Blue Sky controllers data sheet says:

35VDC Maximum (Recommend Maximum Voc at STC ≤ 28VDC)*

So you need a controller with a higher input voltage.

David

[cfarrar]

David is correct. I have the same controller. I use it with three smaller panels (17.8 volts) wired in parallel.

[mistersmith2017]

The spec sheet says "Voltage: 30.7"
Not sure if that is maximum or continuous...is there a difference? I got this from the Home Depot website.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by mistersmith2017

The spec sheet says "Voltage: 30.7"
Not sure if that is maximum or continuous...is there a difference? I got this from the Home Depot website.

Open circuit voltage is 37.7 VDC, 30.7 at maximum power point.

It may work just fine, or it may not.........

http://www.grapesolar.com/files/3113...Fab5_Rev-2.pdf

[mistersmith2017]

Ahhh...makes sense now. I love this forum. I will look for a different controller.

[Bash]

You might want to check the warranty on those panels, which excludes: PV modules installed in locations which may be subject to direct contact with salt water

[zumsel]

This control will not work for a 60 cell panel.

Blue Sky has a new 2512ix HV for these kind of panels. Make sure that you take the HV controller instead of the 2512iX wich is only rated for 36 cell panels. http://www.blueskyenergyinc.com/prod...i-hv-2512ix-hv

Jochen

[mikefossl]

I'm a big fan of the Morningstar Tristar MPPT controller. It can handle the voltage (up to 150V) and up to 45 amps for expansion later. You could also set up the panels in series to ruduce the voltage drop or the wire size from the panel to the controller.

[mistersmith2017]

Well, I've decided to change to 2 x 100watt panels and a smaller controller. I am going to order them from solarpenny.com and also a Morningstar Prostar PS-30WM 30amp controller. I will order tomorrow and install in about 2 weeks. I'll update after the install. Thanks for the input everyone.

[Opie91]

Originally Posted by mistersmith2017

Well, I've decided to change to 2 x 100watt panels and a smaller controller. I am going to order them from solarpenny.com and also a Morningstar Prostar PS-30WM 30amp controller. I will order tomorrow and install in about 2 weeks. I'll update after the install. Thanks for the input everyone.

I have a similar set up to this. Went with the Morningstar Corporation » SunSaver Duo instead of the PS-30WM. It has two outputs for two different banks. Also it comes with the remote panel to see what is going on. As people have said elsewhere on this forum the displays for the solar controllers are not as accurate as a battery monitor, so I installed a Victron BMV 600S (BMV-600S and BMV-602S - Victron Energy).

At peak sun I see ~10.5 amps on my Victron BMV 600S. (Summertime in southern New England, USA)

Enjoy....

[mistersmith2017]

Originally Posted by Opie91

Went with the Morningstar Corporation » SunSaver Duo instead of the PS-30WM.

Actually since I posted this, I talked with the tech at solarpenny and went with the SunSaver Duo also! I like the idea of the external meter and the 2 different banks.

So having installed the 3 party meter, how does the SunSaver's meter compare?

[Opie91]

I am pretty sure the consensus here is the meters supplied with solar controllers are more of a indication of trend rather than actual output.

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by djmarchand

35VDC Maximum (Recommend Maximum Voc at STC ≤ 28VDC)*

So you need a controller with a higher input voltage.

+1
You need to be very careful with input voltage. Even a brief excursion over the max voltage can damage the controller, hence the recommendation to make sure the the max voltage of the controller comfortably exceeds the Voc of the panel.
Current is usually less of a problem, most controllers will self protect and reduce the current if their maximum specs are briefly exceeded.