How to Wire Multiple Solar Charge Controllers into a DIY Camper Electrical System
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- Опубліковано 13 бер 2021
- This video will teach you how to wire and configure multiple charge controllers into the same array in the event that you need to effectively have more than one solar array installed on your camper (Or...a roof array and a ground array, for example).
➤How to Wire a Solar Charge Controller: www.explorist.life/how-to-wir...
➤How to Wire a Solar Disconnect: • How to Wire a Solar Di...
➤Need additional & personalized help? Consider joining my private group: www.community.explorist.life
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful with planning and installing your DIY Camper:
➤DIY Camper Solar Wiring Diagrams: www.explorist.life/solarwirin...
➤How to Perform a Power Audit: • How Much Solar Power D...
➤Basic Parts & Components of an Electrical System: • Basic Solar Parts Need...
➤How to Cut Wire: www.explorist.life/how-to-cut...
➤How to Strip Wire: • How to Strip Wire from...
➤How to Crimp Wire: • How To Crimp Wire Lugs...
➤How to Make MC4 Connectors: • How To Make MC4 Connec...
➤How to Wire Solar Panels in Series-Parallel: • How to Wire Solar Pane...
➤How to Crimp Wire Ferrules: • How to Crimp Ferrules ...
➤How to Wire an AC/DC Breaker/Fuse Box: www.explorist.life/how-to-wir... - Авто та транспорт
I had no idea how slick the Victron gear was until I saw your series of videos on the subject. They have a whole ecosystem.
very clean and clear. I noticed it because it looked identical to mine - the wiring guard. I am still in the middle of my build and watch everything I can to ensure I have not forgotten anythig.
Briefly and clearly illustrated. Thanks.
At 8:27 you mention connecting to the Victron Smart Shunt. Im so glad you mentioned this tidbit- I'll use it to maximize efficiency of my two serial arrays/2 MPPT controllers.
Hey Richard Musante, No problem! Glad it helped! :)
Great instructional video, as aways you make it simple. Thanks
Best Victron tutorial youtube channel, beter than Victron self, greetings from Holland. After seeing your videos I switched to Victron
Excellent! Thanks for your video.
Been trying to figure this stuff out for ages and just found you.
Legend 👍👍👍👍🇦🇺
I found this very helpful, and have used your previous Solar Disconnect instruction video for solar at a cabin I have. This particular video will be part of my plan when adding a few 320W panels to my boat. Really clear, and concise. Appreciate you taking the time to do this.
Glad it helped!
@@EXPLORISTlife i need diagram of how to wire 2 charge controller
THANK YOU, THANK YOU ,THANK YOU .THIS IS THE SIMPLE SYSTEM I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR ALL MY LIFE .
No problem. Happy to help!
Extremely helpful and thorough :-)
Great info I've seen a number of your videos I'm using 2 controller but just setting each one using the controllers them selves it's a much more frugal set up but your video is very informative thanks
You explanation and attention to detail is amazing. Thank you.
Hey elliot330, No problem! Glad it helped! :)
Great video. I would've been afraid that the charge controllers would work against each other and back-feed power into one another, but then I realized that they can't because if they could the battery would back-feed power into them when the sun is not shining.
I just converted my entire system from cheap to Victron, and what a dream!
I just saw the vid and had similar observations.. Thing is, observed the volts on array #1 at about 41V and array #2 at 19V. . Same question about the back feed by the arrray #1 into arry #2 at its lower voltage maybe causing something to short out. Can anyone clarify ?
@@MegaErs123 I had basically the same thing in the charge controllers were fighting each other
Excellent Tutorial. Got me excited about doing more Victron Installs!
Hey, Carl Sgambelluri! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
Great video , thank you. I'm to connect 2* 100/50 right now
really great work Chad.
Informative, additional knowledge thankz you sir...
Really helpful! Thanks!!
Great instructional video.
Thank you, Thank you, I am very impressed with your teaching, I appreciate your time and effort
Hey exp1278, Thanks so much! Cheers!
Very helpful thank you! 🤙
thanks for the nice video and especially a thanks for the shunt nugget, pure gold... didn't know you could network it up, they all just say you can use it to show the usage and voltages but now it really makes sense to get the smartshunt instead of a dumbshunt even though it is quite pricey.
Hey Jesper Andersen, No problem! Glad it helped! :)
Great simple explanation!
Hey Eric F, Thanks so much! Cheers!
Super video, thank you 😊
Really professional work and tutorials, enjoying ur vids, great job, thanks
Thanks so much for watching! Cheers!
Hi - I never comment on videos, but i discovered your channel this weekend - and its been an absolute revelation... i was self teaching my way through a solar design, and your videos and tools have made a lot of the 'fuzzy' areas super clear. thanks so much ! absolutely awesome job ! I'm going into my particular design with 100% confidence, where i was unsure on certain things before :)
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
@@EXPLORISTlifeyou only have 2 connections left on that distributor, where would you put the connection for the inverter, AC panel and DC panel? Could you put two connections on one nut?
@@willyum1208 you can chain Lynx Distributors together.
@@willyum1208 The Lynx distributor is only for 12V devices. The inverters 12v lines would use the first two positions ( + and -), leaving the other two for some other 12V device or feed.
Excellent! just what I was looking for Thanks!
Glad it helped!
Thanks,I was looking for the answer for this subject, you just help me a lot, thanks 👍☮️
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
Soooo clear. Thank you 🙏
Glad it was helpful!
Another great video...he does it again 👏
Hey, thanks so much! Cheers! 👍😀
Excellent videos!
Hey Kiko Johnson, Thanks so much! Cheers!
Just wanted to say thank you for all of the efforts in creating this content. Super helpful and the website is gold. Finally getting close to being able to convert my RV and the details you've shared go a long way!
This is awesome. I will be doing this soon to my Rv.
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
I love your videos..thanks very much..best regards . Daniel from Croatia
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
Great video I am bumping the voltage max and looking to add another controller and split my array in stead of replacing current controller
Good info.
Thanks! 🙂🙌
Pretty easy to understand, thanks, of course to your presentation method. Ran it to a little hiccup in using the tool to size the CC. One panel recommendation using EZ is 100/30, using detailed it’s 100/50. Fine, purchased the latter.
The problem arises in that I’ve purchased TWO of the same panels, instead of the One (intended). Using the Sizing Tool, it recommends 150/60 (EZ) or 150/85 (detailed).
HUGE Price difference !
If I just bought another 100/50, would that serve my purposes just as well, though I suppose each panel would come in through roof independently. But, it would be A Lot cheaper to buy a second 100/50.
Though, I wouldn’t benefit from the Smart Shunt, because I got an Alii. 😫
great video
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Thank you.
Even I understood this video, great job.
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
Cool stuff...
I need this in my life
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Another great video, fantastic explanation as always, I've a question about 48v battery banks.
I'm setting up a 48v off grid system, using all Victron products, you've explained everything perfectly so far, very useful. but, I'm a bit stumped about balancing the batteries, at this stage I'm planning on using on using Victron Super Cell Lead batteries, I'm not not convinced about lithium yet, anyway, I'd love a video showing how to connect the Victron battery balancers, it's clear how to set it up for 12v, 48v banks need 3 balancers, given the cost of all this equipment, I'd like to get it right the first time. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do a video 🙂
Nate, Once again a very informative video. I do have one question in your last video you placed the MEGA fuse on the Lynx distributor terminal first then place battery positive cable on top of it. In this video you place the positive cable on the terminal first and then placed the fuse on top of it. So does it make any difference or is it just a personal preference?
Does one of your Videos already show how to take full advantage of vehicle alternators?
We’ve got a 400a Alternator that isn’t being taken full advantage of and would love to see a video by you about such adaptations.
Thank you!!!
Your videos are clear and to the point. I have two Renogy 400 watt arrays and two Victron charge controllers. I was wondering the proper way to set them up. Question, do I need to use the Victron shunt to make sure everything is compatible? I do have a Xantrex 3000 watt inverter charger and one liTime 300AH battery. It works with the one controller. Haven't set up the second one yet.
Excellent video! I plant to install a victron 250V/60 with 5 400w panels in series. Do you have the like for the double pole brakers and the plastic cable enclosure? Thanks
Nice
Thanks! 🙂🙌
Hi Nate, Mate, your tutorials are awesome. Nate you mention in this tutorial the need for multiple charge controls if your array exceeds a single controller. What if i have a 100/30 and increase my battery size so the i now need more than 30. Let’s say i need 60amp. Can i introduce a second 100/30 (in parallel or series) to get the required 60amp or will i need to upgrade to a 150/75? Would really appreciate your insight. I image two 30amp controllers one would cancel out the other as one would see 30amp in or will VRM allow me to override or set both units to 30amp each?
Thanks for an amazing tutorial!I have a question on wire size. Currently I have outback 60 am charge controller and 1 x 4 PV panels array. I ordered 2 victron 250/60 to add 8 PV panels (Voc 46.8v & Isc 10a), planning to connect 2 arrays x 4 panels in series each. Should I use 6awg cables when connecting all charge controllers to victron lynx power in? Not sure if it matters, currently I have 24v lead acid battery bank but will switch to a new 48v one when I receive my new lithium batteries in 2 month (will also add another 8 PV panels and will use 1 victron for each 8 panel array). Thanks in advance!
Great video. I noticed you put the positive wire on on first and then the fuse. Can you put the wire on first and then the fuse. Where connect to the victron distribution
Great video, thanks! Can you do this with two different brand charge controllers? I have a suitcase solar panel that I will only use occasionally and I have a spare charge controller but it is a different make than the one in my trailer. Thanks again.
Great video as always
What size and spec are the solar panels?
What size wire are you using for the equipment grounds and the pos and neg
Thanks
Very good information nice video one question how can I know the voltage input of a charge control
Thanks for a very informative video and one that I hope will prove very useful. A question if I may. My campervan is very small and I can only fit 1 x 100w solar panel on the roof. As such I was thinking of using a bluetti 200w solar blanket as the second panel when needed. Are there any obvious downsides to this using your setup - especially as the solar blanket will not be connected at all times? Many thanks.
Great video. Is it OK to connect a wind generator to a solar mppt?
Dude, great video.
Which will be your suggestion when I have two battery banks (both 12v, but one has 100ah and second 105ah, both lifepo4).
At the moment I have epever controller which supports one battery bank only I cannot wire batteries in series because they have different ah.
Another solar panel to second battery bank or a Epever duoracer kinda of approach?
Nate, I understand the need to use a 2 pole breaker between the panel and the charge controller. However don't understand why the 63 AMP instead of sizing the breaker to protect the wiring. Then go add a separate fuse link which seems to duplicate but potentially add resistance to the system, Thanks, Don
Thanks for sharing. Like #84
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Great vid!
Would please like to know:
Can solar charge controllers have their load output connected in parallel to feed together a load?
I would like to feed one load with two solar controllers load output. The controllers are the same model/size but are not connected in parallel between them, would be only the load output in parallel.
Thank you
Hi great content i am form england i have 2 smart controllers connected on my 12v battery bank should i also link the controllers together i do not have a smart shunt barry
Hey mate, just wondering what you've used to connect the negative between the two charge controllers and the Lynx? Thanks heaps.
Great video I use a redarc manager 30 but find I don't have enough solar and I've maxed out the redarc with 600w of solar panels, could I ad a victron charge controller to the system without causing damage to the redarc,batteries or the new victron?
Hi Nate, I have been following you since 2020, you have helped me with my solar/Lithium install on my Airstream. We now have a new trailer with 400W on the roof and a Victron 100/50 CC. I want to add a 400W suitcase with Victron 100/30 CC mounted beside the existing 100/50 CC like you have in this video. Can I wire the CC ground to the existing CC equipment ground, or do I have to use a junction stud?
Hi Nate.
Is this the best way if you have a solar blanket connected to the system when main panels are parked in the shade?
Do the controllers need to be the same size if the solar blanket is smaller?
Thanks you
Hi Nate, thank you thank you thank you for sharing your in-depth knowledge of electrical systems. I have a question for you: What type of electrical system would I need to power an Air Fryer? My cursory search on the Internet says an air fryer draws too much power. Is this possible? What would I need?
You should do a power audit to figure that out. Here is a tutorial for that: ua-cam.com/video/a406IxiU-Xg/v-deo.html
...also... anything is possible with the proper application of effort and funds. lol
The power audit will confirm... but I suspect you will be looking at something like this: www.explorist.life/3000w-inverter-400-600ah-400-to-1200w-solar-camper-solar-kit
Great videos. How do you connect a SmartSolar 100/30 and a BlueSolar 100/50? is that possible or do I have to junk the BlueSolar, it does show up on my Cerbo.
I have a setup thats similar to this and I've been studying your diagrams. I'm addition to 2 charge controllers, I'll also be using a DC DC charger. Should I go with just a traditional bus bar setup in that case since I'll need to use 5 fuses?
This brings up my next question, how do you feel about the lower-end charge controllers? Like the ones that come with the Harbor Freight solar panels or the low end renogy solar charge controller. It seems like these really elaborate mppt controllers are the norm, is it possible to wire a sufficient solar system with a regular charge controller?
Where do you talk about mega fuze sizing feeding battery to the charge controller? Thanks.
Excellent videos, Thank you. I did notice that you are hooking all the charge controller equipment grounds to the negative battery buss. Is that necessary?
Yes.
Do you have a video on two or more invertors install?
Now we're talking! I love your channel! Victron for life! Can you do a multiple battery bank system video? Do I use btb 12to12/24to24?
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching! I've got a video of a system that has multiple batteries in it's battery bank here: ua-cam.com/video/JMqtVBN26NQ/v-deo.html and all of the diagrams at www.explorist.life feature battery banks with multiple batteries.
@@EXPLORISTlife I meen lithium battery's of one sort and lead of another sort for example.
Oh, gotcha. I would never recommend mixing and matching battery chemistries/voltages into the house battery bank or having two seperate house battery banks; so I won't be doing a video over that.
The closest I'll get to that kind of video is talking about DC DC chargers when we charge our house lithium bank from the alternator which is connected to a lead acid or AGM battery bank, that'll be coming up later this summer.
Thank you for the video. What about victrons with Load outputs? Can you parallel those?
We don’t really utilize those in our system designs, so those can be ignored.
What wire gauge and fuses would you use to connect 3 x 60am controllers? Thanks a lot
thank you, now I can go easy and by 2 panel kits at a time, twice 1000 bucks is easier the one 2000 payment, I assume you have link for parts and wiring diag for this setup
Hey how you doing buddy and I was looking at your UA-cam video and question. I have the Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT 100V 30 amp. And I would like to know if I could installed 200w solar panels 20v . I would like to install for panels and Siri can I do
I have a question. I installed two solar controllers in my Airstream Nineteen campervan using your instructions. The secondary solar controller is used for external panels and those manuals don't match the OEM panels specs. I also have a Ecoflow Delta 2 Max and extra battery in my campervan. My question is what switch would I use to prior to the 2nd array controller to feed my EF solar generators? There are times when I need to charge the EFs when boondocking and right now the only way do do so is to directly connect it to the EF and I would like to use the external solar connectors. Thanks in advance.
I have victron 100/30 but they don't have bluetooth all I can do is to spin the wheel to set them up, is there anything else that can be done to make them work together?
Hi, I have purchased your electrical diagram for my 400 watt battery system. It has been very helpful. But, I have a question. The diagram shows a 2AWG wire connected from the charge controller to the distributor. As you know the controller has small connection points that require a Furrel. I have tried placing a furred on the 2 wag but even after crimping does not fit the controller. How do I go about that?
Hi,
Thank you for your great videos, Is there a reason to use a fuse instead of a breaker ?
Yes. The fuse fits in the Lynx Distributor. A breaker will not fit in the Lynx Distributor.
Hi Nate, I have two Victron charge controllers installed, 150/60 & 100/30. I will be installing a Victron Smart Battery Sense. Will I be able to program the Battery Sense to both charge controllers? Keith
I've watched almost every video you've put out and can't thank you enough for all the time and effort you put into trying to teach us this stuff. can you please please help, I just want to know what gauge wire i need to run from my (4) 210 solar panels in series down to my victron mppt charge controller. I see things that saw 10awg is okay then see other's that say no use 4awg and its very confusing to me and thought I understood everything, may you please clear this up for me?
Check the calculator
Is the lynx distributer necessary in a mobile application? Let’s say I’m on a budget, want to start with two victron 100/20 mppt controllers but also plan to scale up slowly from there.
I originally posted this on your video about crimping wire lugs but since this is close I thought I would post it here too. I have a question about the terminal lugs. I have a Lynx Distributor but the Selterm Cable Lugs for 4/0 AWG, stud size 5/16" are interfering with or by the plastic insulators that separate positive from negative wire connections. This interference is on both the pos stud and neg stud. I checked the spec on the part at Amazon and it is the correct width. I could force it down by tightening it, but that just seems wrong and could break the plastic. Should I shim it with washers under the lug to get the clearance? (wish i could post a picture)
Great video as usual. Why would I use the lynx distributer vs. the lynx power in. Big price difference.
Will have a video out next month comparing the two. :)
Where exactly can I purchase the wiring channel your using in this video to keep you area clean and neat ?
Thanks for sharing is it ok if my solar panel array 1 is connected in series and the 2nd array panels are connected in parallel and I got two different brand of solar charge controller is it possible to use ? By the way those two solar charge controller are both MPPT
Hi Nate: How can I add a second MPPT if all the fuses/posts are used in the Lynx Distributor (by MPPT #1, Orion TR SMART, Multiplus INVERTER/CHARGER, and 12V Panel)? Note: I have limited space, so it would be very difficult to add another Lynx Distributor.
Nate, another great video. Does this system require the smart shunt to properly charge the batteries with multiple charge controllers? I have the Victron BMV-712 battery monitor.
The BMV-712 will act in the exact same manner I showed in this video as the SmartShunt.
Thank you !
Now... can i have 1 array in series to one controller, and the 2nd array in parallel to the other controller ? And will the controllers still talk to each other ?
Im in the uk on a boat .
Do you always use 2 pole, panel disconnect breakers... and where do you buy the sturdy breaker box (with DIN Rail)
Great video-Thanks! Some installs on a boat have 4-6 MPPTs. Is there a way to wire the MPPTs where they don’t each take up a space on the distribution? For example, running all the positives from the 6 MPPTs to a busbar then a single wire from the busbar to the distributor?
No. Best way to fuse each bud.
Yes easier to just wire to one point but less safe to do so if you have a short on the output from the mppt etc.
Fuse and wire each x
Controller back to the busbar
Hello Nate, Just the info I've been looking for. Just one thing I haven't found an answer to with the Smart Solar VE-CAN, With the VE-CAN and the VE-Direct connection to the CCGX can you use either the VE-CAN or the VE-Direct or must both be connected. Currently I am only able to view todays data on the CCGX. There is no 30 day History. I haven't checked the bit rate yet ,I think that should be set at 250 bit/s
Hello Nate, thank you for sharing the knowledge in such an educational rich approach. Keep them vids coming...
I have a question for you:
Following the example above, lets say i have a 200Ah battery bank (a lead acid) and an DC/AC inverter where i want to always limit the battery bank charge current to a 0.1c equivalent to 20A and i still want to have available the remaining current that the charge controllers can provide to supply my AC appliances through the inverter?
So how to limit the charge battery current without limiting the output current of the controller?
Thanks man
Thank you for the great video. If I have an all-in-one Inverter/controller, would I be able to add a charge controller only to add more panels or would I need to add another inverter charger? Thanks
Additional charge controllers can indeed be added independently of additional inverters. The two are not related.
Hello. Thank you verry much. It's really helpfull! Is it possible to use victron mppt as a booster. For exemple i have a ebike with a batterie 48v. 25 amp. And a solar panel 100w 12 v ? I want to charge my bike while riding... let's say with a smal victron mppt. Have a nice day!
I went with series for following:
1. Biggest reason is Victron MPPT's don't initiate battery charge until output 5vdc greater than battery vdc; series charges batteries earlier than parallel configuration.
2. Can mix solar panel voltage outputs.
3. Uses small Guage wire
You show the example of pairing the solar controllers together to work/communicate with each other. I have a Victron 100/30 attached to a 190 watt panel on the roof. I also have a 200 watt suitcase panel that connects to the battery bank with an Anderson plug, but has it's own GoSolar charge controller attached to the back. Is there a way to make it communicate with my Victron components? Thanks for all the information you provide. I love your channel!!
There's not, no.
Can I plug two separate solar panels (1x250w and 1x200w blankets) into an auxiliary battery box using two Anderson connects with the two MTTP regulators?