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Old 03-07-2018, 03:20 PM   #15
Retriever
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City: Seattle, WA
Vessel Name: Akeeva
Vessel Model: Nordhavn 50
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 449
Quote:
Originally Posted by djmarchand View Post
I would never install an undersized solar controller. Sure it might reach 50 amps only 1% of the time, but each time you do you are over heating the electronics and overheated electronics don't last long.

Consider midday sun directly overhead with your batteries well discharged so that it only takes 12V to charge at 50+ amps. That controller will put out 730/12 less 5% efficiency losses = 58 amps. That 50+ amp rate won't last lon. The sun will move reducing the solar output and the battery voltage will rise as it charges reducing the amps.

But any over current in my book is too much.

David
I was told that it's not hazardous to the controller, but that in the rare circumstances when the panels could make more than 50 amps they'll be limited. Is that not the case?

Update: I just asked Victron, and will report back what I hear. I also played with the Victron calculator and it says my configuration is "Accepted" but output will power limited to 50A.
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