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  • solar charge controller question 2

    If the charge controllers have reverse polarity protection do i need to put diodes in my solar panel?

  • #2
    Yes. You need to install "bypass" diodes, unless you panel will never be shaded mid-day.

    All charge controllers that I know of, include the Blocking Diode function, which prevents the PV panel from becoming a load on the batteries at night, draining them.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

    Comment


    • #3
      charge controller

      So as long as i got a charge controller that has the blocking function i will be fine?

      Comment


      • #4
        AND you don't allow any shade over a portion of the array. Either the whole array is in sun, or whole array in shade. If you have a pole or tree, that casts a shadow, you need bypass diodes in the shaded portion, and your array will loose volts, as more areas are shaded, and more diodes bypass the shade. If you don't include bypass diodes, the whole array will shut off when you shade a small portion of 1 panel. If you have enough array voltage, you can fry the shaded panel without bypass diodes.
        Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
        || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
        || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

        solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
        gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

        Comment


        • #5
          Hi Mike, after reading this post I have a question regarding blocking diodes.

          My two panels ( some individual cells on a panel, one complete panel, or all panels ) will certainly get shaded at times of the day.

          Do I need a blocking diode on each panels Positive lead where I tie the panels together in parallel at the junction box, before the main feed to the controller?

          Kip

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          • #6
            Blocking diodes only prevent discharge of the battery through the panels at night. If you are using a charge controller, you don't need any blocking diodes, because the blocking function is provided by all modern charge controllers.

            In your Combiner Boxes, you may need a fuse in each string, if you have more than 2 strings. If you develop a short in 1 string, 2 others can backfeed enough to cause a fire, so a fuse is needed. Diodes are never used for this.
            Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
            || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
            || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

            solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
            gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

            Comment


            • #7
              There are two types of diodes used; blocking and bypass.

              Blocking are used in battery systems where no charge controller is used.
              MSEE, PE

              Comment


              • #8
                OK, another question to Mike and Sunking.

                I understand the Blocking diode eliminates the batteries from back feeding the panels when the panels are not producing power and that the Charge Controller will stop the back feed.

                At this time I have a total of two panels wired in parallel at the Combiner Box.

                If one panel is producing more power than the other because of shade or a Mechanical Fault.

                Do I want to have a Bypass diode and Fuse on each panel going into the Combiner Box?

                Thanks guys this is fun!

                Thanks Waceycornia, hope you don't think I Hijacked your thread.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Trickster View Post
                  ....

                  At this time I have a total of two panels wired in parallel at the Combiner Box.

                  If one panel is producing more power than the other because of shade or a Mechanical Fault.

                  Do I want to have a Bypass diode and Fuse on each panel going into the Combiner Box?
                  If I answer this, I want to see a photo of you on the bike in your avatar.

                  NO. With ONLY 2 panels, you don't need fuses, or any kind of diodes in your combiner box.
                  Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
                  || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
                  || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

                  solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
                  gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

                  Comment

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