Is this more or less correct as too how solar would be connected and the + and - cables get power to the 12v electrical panel? I know there are a lot of fuses and correct wire sizes to figure out...but is this on the right path with just solar?
Basic Electrical Wiring For House Side (Just Solar)
- Thread starter GeneraiT001
- Start date
You're on track. Generally on the DC side there is no DC- at the panel or perhaps one lead back to the DC- bus for the ground for the LEDs on the breakers. There may be multiple DC- bus bars that lead back to a big bus that connects to the engine block. Think of a tree that branches out.
Hi,
I was thinking that having the separate MPPT's would be good just incase I only had the one and it went kaput?
I don't quite understand. I have 2 panels...one for AC (110v) (I need an inverter!!) and one for DC (12v). So doesn't there have to be a cable going to a 12v bus up by the panel that my 12v items can feed off?
The inverter takes DC from the batteries and converts it to AC. Theoretically it could run off solar panels, however, it would not work that well at night. Also, the power coming from solar panels is not stable. The output can vary from minute to minute due to passing clouds, boat movement, birds landing on it, etc. This instability would affect the inverters ability to provide AC and the variability would not set well with some AC devices. The DC battery bank is a stable source of power.
Think of it this way, the house battery bank is your main source of power, solar, alternator, and charger all resupply the battery bank. The various devices you have refrigerator, Inverter, instruments, lights, autopilot etc all take power from the battery that needs to be resupplied by the charging sources.
Another way to look at it, is your battery bank is like a savings account. The charging sources are like your income. When the bills exceed your income, you borrow from the savings account. When your income exceeds your bills you put money back in the bank. Same concept on your electrical system, except instead of money it's electricity.
How much AC power do you need and for what? We live with a small 150w pure sign wave inverter. It is more than enough to charge laptops and power tool batteries, it will even power a small soldering iron or small hand tool like a Dremel. Some inverters are also chargers. When plugged into shore power the inverter/charger will charge the battery and when off shore power they work as an inverter. The Victron Multiplus series is an excellent choice. I think they just released or will be releasing a new model that is more energy efficient.
Think of it this way, the house battery bank is your main source of power, solar, alternator, and charger all resupply the battery bank. The various devices you have refrigerator, Inverter, instruments, lights, autopilot etc all take power from the battery that needs to be resupplied by the charging sources.
Another way to look at it, is your battery bank is like a savings account. The charging sources are like your income. When the bills exceed your income, you borrow from the savings account. When your income exceeds your bills you put money back in the bank. Same concept on your electrical system, except instead of money it's electricity.
How much AC power do you need and for what? We live with a small 150w pure sign wave inverter. It is more than enough to charge laptops and power tool batteries, it will even power a small soldering iron or small hand tool like a Dremel. Some inverters are also chargers. When plugged into shore power the inverter/charger will charge the battery and when off shore power they work as an inverter. The Victron Multiplus series is an excellent choice. I think they just released or will be releasing a new model that is more energy efficient.
The fuse goes on the positive side, within 7" of the battery terminal.
Actually, the main reason is when one panel is shaded and the other is not, if they are different sizes or designs, or if the output differs (aging) for any reason. How can a charger track the maximum power point or two different, even one shaded, panels at the same time? It can't. That said, if they are identical one charger is OK.
Hi, Thanks.
That "fusey" looking think is a shunt...I think it goes on the negative side?
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,727
Yes that is correct. It is a good idea to label the various elements of your diagram.
Your basic setup is correct. The negative wire does return to the busbar in your diagram. It completes the circut.