Connecting to inverter

[axseeker]

Okay I have a solar panel with MC4 connectors BUT my solar inverter doesn't connect to MC4 connectors so how do I make a connection? Is there a MC4 to alligator clip?

Or

Am I missing some part that goes in between? Please help, I lost a lot of money on this and I am desperate for help!

[russ]

Hi axseeker - Welcome to Solar Panel Talk! Not to worry!

Sunking, Mike or someone else that knows will be along before long I am sure.

Russ

[Mike90250]

Whoops. Don't buy anything more.

Look at the back of your solar panel, and look for a sticker, and then give us the
Max Power (Pmax)
Volt open ckt (Voc)
Amps Short ckt (Isc)


Most small inverters need a battery in the system, to help even out, or stabilize the power from the PV panel.

Example stickers:

[axseeker]

Thank you so much for taking the time to help me

I found the information

It reads

Max Power (Pmax) = 090w
volt open ckt (voc) = 100v
amps short (Isc) = 1.62A

My solar panels are called dupont apollo

[Mike90250]

Max Power (Pmax) = 090w
volt open ckt (voc) = 100v
amps short (Isc) = 1.62A

My solar panels are called dupont apollo

Great. These are high voltage Grid Tie panels.

Now what kind of inverter do you have ?

sidenote: who sold this to you with out instructions on how to install ?

[axseeker]

I got it from sunelectronics

My inverter is

A PI30000x solar inverter

It is a 3000 watt power inverter

Link

http://www.citrustools.com/Solar-PI30000X-3000W-Heavy-Duty-Power-Inverter-p/sol-pi30000x.htm

[Mike90250]

You have a problem.

You have a high voltage (100V) PV panel, and a low voltage (12V dc) inverter

And , your PV panel is only 100W, whereas the inverter, being a 3,000w behemoth, likely needs over 100W to just start up and idle.
Additionally, it's a mod-sine inverter, which is not the same quality as the AC power in your house.
Power Inverters > Modified Sine Wave Inverters > Solar PI30000X 3000W

So, how to salvage this situation ?

#1
possibly use a MPPT charge controller to charge a battery, that can then run the inverter for brief periods of time.

or

#2
return the parts, and then ask us, I have a [device] that consumes 2A @ 120VAC, how can I run it from solar, for 6 hours a day.

I suggest you implement the 2nd half of choice #2.


Some clever marketing toke you in, calling the inverter brand name "solar" among other things.

NEW - Solar Plumbers Friend. Unclog drains with the power of the sun (via crops, via food, via your arm muscles. )

[axseeker]

Well this sucks...I can't return anything back since I lost everything from receipts to packaging for at least a year now.

Could you recommend me a MPPT charge controller? Like an online link to one that would solve my problem?

I'll have to buy a deep cycle Battery, right?




Also should I ditch the inverter or the panel?

[Mike90250]

.....Could you recommend me a MPPT charge controller? Like an online link to one that would solve my problem?

The "small ones" top out at 75V input. That leaves the $400 ones, with 150V input, not too practical for your situation.

I'll have to buy a deep cycle Battery, right?

Right

Also should I ditch the inverter or the panel?

Both

Sell the panel on ebay , local pickup only, the glass does not ship well.
Sell the inverter, it's way too big

Figure out your loads, then you will need
charge controller
battery
PV panel
fuse
inverter to fit your load


We'll help you figure your loads /PV size / battery size but what you have now is all wrong. I don't know a way to salvage it.

Maybe another expert can chime in. I see they have stayed "far away" from this situation. Help Mr Wizard - save this newcomer from the pit of despair.

[axseeker]

Why would someone sell a product that can't work on anything? It doesn't make any sense. Surely it has to work on some type of panel?

A charge controller is required though right? For any solar system? Will a charge controller connect to MC4 connectors?

I really don't want to sell anything, I doubt anyone is buying with the current economy in place. Certainly not my useless stuff.

I just wanna power a mini fridge and microwave with maybe a fan. It said on the box it could power multiple appliances. The inverter has outlets.

I am planning on putting it on a boat.

[Sunking]

Why would someone sell a product that can't work on anything?

They do work, they are made for grid tied systems, but not battery systems.

[axseeker]

By grid tie systems you mean directly to panels or for home installations only?

[Sunking]

By grid tie systems you mean directly to panels or for home installations only?

Grid tie systems are very simple system Panels > Grid Tied Inverter > AC electrical service.

What you want is a stand alone battery system. Solar panels (made for batteries) > charge controller > Batteries > Battery Inverter.

Grid tied systems operate around 500 volts DC, battery systems operate at 12, 24, and 48 volts. Panels made for battery systems operate at 18 volts for every 12 volts of battery. Panels made for grid tied systems operate at much higher voltages which is what your panel is made for.

[john p]

A 90 w panel and a 3000 w inverter is about as bad a combination as possible to get. especially as the panel is 100v.. Even for that inverter to be able to be used at half capacity its going to take a lot more than a 90 w panel and its going to take some big number AHR batteries

[Mike90250]

Why would someone sell a product that can't work on anything? It doesn't make any sense. .....

All that mattered to them, is they got your $$. They likely had no idea the parts they sold were in-compatible or unsuitable together.

You could still use the inverter in your boat, but only while the engine is running, it will quickly drain your battery, unless you install an "Accessory battery" that will not drain your starting battery.