Solar Panel Install (higher voltage)

[SVJOCO]

I’ll be installing a couple Panasonic N335 solar panels (in parallel) on our boat soon, connected to a Victron 150/45 solar controller. They operate at a much higher voltage (59.4) than standard marine industry hardware, and I want to be sure I’m getting the fusing/cb part correct.

The question is, do I need to install a fuse/cb and switch between the panels and the controller?

If I do, can someone link me to a product solution? Everything I find is only 48v max ...

In other threads i’ve seen people say rate the cable higher than the panels can ever deliver, and don’t fuse/cb it.

Please help - thanks,

[noelex 77]

It is sensible that you are thinking about this problem, but if my understanding of your system is correct, you do not need a fuse or CB between the panel and the controller.

However, it is helpful (and in many cases essential) to be able switch off the solar panel output to the controller.

Marine switches and fuses are often limited to maximum of 32v so you need to look at the specifications closely.

Often the most practical solution is to use industrial circuit breakers. These can have a relatively high DC voltage limit and are commonly used on household solar panel installations that operate at DC voltages above typical marine systems.

[longhorn]

Midnite Solar makes DIN mount breakers that can handle higher voltages.

[landlockedgm]

Blue Seas Systems C series toggle circuit breakers are rated for 80V DC.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/735...le_Pole_15_Amp

[Yellowjacket]

I've done it both ways, and it is nicer to have a breaker between panels and controller. I used the 80 volt DC circuit breaker. Remember that your chosen controller will limit watts to 650W.

[Moontide]

Many (most or all?) controllers specifically say not to have the panels connected to the controller if the batteries are not connected to the controller first. The advantage of a means to disconnect the panels is very convenient.



Fusing between the controller and batteries is of course a no brainer.

My panels are 36+- volts and I was able to get a suitable breaker at West Marine (9 years ago). Would think Amazon, or if not there, EBay would have something for sure. Just with EBay you may have to wait for it to be sent from China.

[SVJOCO]

Thank you all.

The C-Series toggle is a good find. Of course, BlueSea doesn’t make a simple 1 or 2 breaker panel that will accommodate it. SMH.

I see Midnite Solar has a “BabyBox” enclosure that might work in my case. Back to DIN mount I go I guess.

[SVJOCO]

Originally Posted by SVJOCO

Thank you all.

The C-Series toggle is a good find. Of course, BlueSea doesn’t make a simple 1 or 2 breaker panel that will accommodate it. SMH.

I see Midnite Solar has a “BabyBox” enclosure that might work in my case. Back to DIN mount I go I guess.

I should say - surface mount panel that I can essentially install inline somewhere along the circuit.

[noelex 77]

This was our installation using commercial DIN rail CB:

[Yellowjacket]

Originally Posted by Moontide

Would think Amazon, or if not there, EBay would have something for sure. Just with EBay you may have to wait for it to be sent from China.

Be wary of Amazon … I was shipped a breaker unsuitable for this voltage, tho it was represented to be so.

[jonathanv]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

This was our installation using commercial DIN rail CB:

What brand and model circuit breakers are these?

[smac999]

Originally Posted by SVJOCO

I should say - surface mount panel that I can essentially install inline somewhere along the circuit.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/3131/Circuit_Breaker_Enclosure