Would like to add an Ammeter to my 85W 12V System

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  • wesdenaro
    Junior Member
    • Apr 2012
    • 3
    #1

    Would like to add an Ammeter to my 85W 12V System

    Hello Everyone,

    I have a very small system that is used for office lighting and mobile phone charging. I have a 12V 85W PV panel, a Morningstar SunSaver SS-10L Charge Controller and a 100Ah 12V AGM Battery.

    I have an analog Volt meter that I have connected to the battery, so I can monitor the battery state. What I am planning next is to add an Ammeter to the PV side. I have ordered a digital meter that comes with a Shunt. I believe I am clear on how to connect the shunt and the meter, but was wondering if anyone could recommend on which side of the PV circuit I should hook it to.

    My PV panel positive (red) lead is 12awg and runs from my roof to an inline 10A fuse, then into the Charge Controller(+). The PV panel negative (black) lead is connected to the Charge Controller (-) directly. If my intention is to monitor amps coming from the PV array, would it be better to install the shunt inline on the positive or negative side of the PV circuit? My instinct says use the negative side... but was wondering if anyone has an opinion, or does it even make any difference?

    Thanks for any thoughts.
    .w.e.s
    Tags: None
    • Sunking
      Solar Fanatic
      • Feb 2010
      • 23301
      #2
      Technically it makes no difference, but common practice dictates the hot fused conductor which is positive in your case.

      If you used the negative and the system is grounded, not all the current will be flowing on the negative as it will split and also flow on the grounding conductors
      MSEE, PE

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        • wesdenaro
          Junior Member
          • Apr 2012
          • 3
          #3
          Thank you.

          This makes sense, I will go with the hot fused side.

          I will apply the same thinking IF I add an ammeter to the battery side.

          Thank you.

            Comment

            • Mike90250
              Moderator
              • May 2009
              • 16020
              #4
              Generally, a person would install a "battery totalizer" (battery monitor) which is a "smart" amp meter, that counts amps into and out of the battery. It's programmed to require 120% payback for power used, which accounts for battery losses.

              Some brands:
              Trimetric
              Xantrex LinkLITE Battery Monitor
              Magnum Energy Battery Monitor Kit



              SmartGauge & Midnight Solar makes a VOLTMETER with some brains, that counts time at charging voltage, to decide the state of charge of the battery.

              MidNite Solar Battery Capacity Meter http://www.midnitesolar.com/productP...roductCat_ID=5

              SmartGauge http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/smartgauge.html
              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

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