48V 230AH battery bank, panels, controller setup.

[Ari]

I need recommendations on a two solar panels and controller setup for a 48V 230AH battery bank. So far I found the following options:

Two 310W panels (32.8V VMPP, VOC 40.4 V each) + Midnite Solar KID 30 Amp 12 - 48 VDC MPPT.
or
Two 330W panels (58.0 VPM, VOC 69.7V each) + Midnite Solar KID 30 Amp 12 - 48 VDC MPPT (this controller may NOT be a good match because of the Input of up to 150V). The OutBack FlexMax FM60 or the Midnite Classic 200-SL controller may be a better fit.

I know that a 1000W+ of panels is better but that won't be possible because of space limitation.

Thank you,

[inetdog]

48V at 230AH is the same energy storage as 12V at 920AH.


If you are using FLA batteries (likely from that size spec), then the rule of thumb says a MINIMUM panel wattage for sufficient charging current to keep the batteries happy would be 920W.
If you limit yourself to only 640-660W of panel you should plan on using a generator from time to time to give the batteries what they prefer. (If you will be truly off grid you need to plan on a generator as part of the system anyway.)

If you are located in an area with cold winters, the 70V Voc of the second panel option will require the CC to be able to withstand either 140 x 1.25 = 175V or the results of a more exact calculation based on your actual winter temperature history and the panel temperature coefficient.

One advantage of going with 48V is that you will be able to make use of a 15-20A CC, which does extend your range of choices.

[Ari]

Great info. I will have to find space for the extra panel then. Thinking on the following setup.

Three LG 310W NEON + Morningstar TS-MPPT-30 TriStar 30 Amp 12/24/48 Volt MPPT Charge Controller.

That should do it