I’ve been getting some PMs about how to connect higher voltage solar panels to lower voltage battery banks for off grid application. Many people think they have to buy panels with same voltage rating as their battery bank, that is wrong. With an MPPT charge controller like the Outback Flexmax 60 or 80 you can use panels or strings of panels in series with a voltage up to 130vdc and charge a 12v, 24, or 38v battery bank. This allows you to use smaller gauge cable runs at longer distances, lower amperage breakers, etc from the charge controller to the solar panels. Take a look at the attached diagram on how I plan to connect my 20 Dupont solar panels to my 12 volt battery bank.
Post time: Jan-17-2017