How to Wire Multiple Solar Charge Controllers into a DIY Camper Electrical System

[@pnowikow]

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.

[@richardmusante225]

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.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey Richard Musante, No problem! Glad it helped! :)

[@elliot330]

You explanation and attention to detail is amazing. Thank you.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey elliot330, No problem! Glad it helped! :)

[@SpeakerKevin]

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!

[@MegaErs123]

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 ?

[@veteranveteran9915]

@@MegaErs123 I had basically the same thing in the charge controllers were fighting each other

[@crusin73]

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.

[@jhe4982]

Best Victron tutorial youtube channel, beter than Victron self, greetings from Holland. After seeing your videos I switched to Victron

[@jeremyspecce]

Love this, I have a 400 watt system with an MPPT and I want to duplicate that on my new build and add them both together in an integrated fashion, and this is clearly a very clean answer to that dilemma.

[@MikeDean01]

I love the way the fuses turn themselves around so they are in the same orientation. Clever stuff! Great video though!

[@ericpeters2762]

I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me and blinked a few times. I just rewatched it and saw the magic happen. 4:16 into the video for those curious.

[@Itsme-zq3et]

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

[@HuntMountain06]

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!!!

[@backyardblasters]

Hey Nate, does this setup also work if the mppts are different? For example, can I connect a 100/20 mppt and a 75/10 mppt to the same distributer? Kind regards, Flint

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep!

[@backyardblasters]

@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks, and extra thanks for such a fast reply!

[@bh67754]

Fuses on lynx distributor In previous videos you said that the fuse needs to go on first and then positive wire last but in this video you did positive wire and then fuse last. I just want to make sure I am wiring it correctly. Can you assist?

[@aaront8396]

Yes I was thinking the same thing...Very confusing.

[@WayneRigley]

I don't think it matters to be honest what goes on first as long as there's a secure connection the only difference would be if the lug goes on first your fuse me Lee flat as opposed to putting the fuse on first it may put the fuse at an angle so I would just determine what lays your fuse in a more parallel state between the top lug and the bottom lug for better connection

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

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.

[@KlausenArve]

Would you mind sharing a link to your DC breaker box you used here from the arrays? thanks

[@KentFleshman]

Go to explorist.life and look under how to wire a solar disconnect. It's listed further down.

[@WideAwakeTravels]

@@KentFleshman the one used in this video is not the same one he shows in the article. This one is bigger

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The exact box I showed is no longer available. The box linked in the video description is a very similar replacement.

[@rona7867]

Thanks!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I appreciate it! Glad the video was helpful.

[@jmac2543]

Great video. Is it OK to connect a wind generator to a solar mppt?

[@MegaCyrik]

Great video. Thanks. What if you just have a few cheap PWMs laying around, and not some fancy bluetooth gear. Say 2-4 pcs of 30amp 12/24v PWMs that costs 5$ each. How would you go about it?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

You should check the user manual to see if there is any documentation on how to do it. If it doesn't say anything, you'll want to contact their customer support for help. If there is no customer support, you'll want to upgrade to a higher quality charger controller that includes this functionality. 👍🙂

[@MegaCyrik]

@@EXPLORISTlife nah, thats some Chinese low end 1 page highly questionable information. Does work seemingly fine thou. I do use a mppt personally. However, as concept, and reading your video title, it made me wonder..and i do have a stack of pwm laying around. is it straight forward easy or is there a few things that make this not so straight forward? Could one, in theory, just hook up 4 solar panels to each pwm and then each pwm to same battery.. without fire? Or is there a 100% need for an extra part or two? As you might have realised, im not an electrician. So if its a terrible idea, then that's why. Im never in short supply of terrible ideas :)

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Ultimately, the charge controllers need to be designed to communicate with each other to charge properly. If they aren't designed for that purpose, they wont charge properly. The degree of 'not charging properly' could vary widely and is not something I'm comfortable offering input on. If you have 4 solar panels, I'd rather see them all connected to one properly sized MPPT charge controller.

[@MegaCyrik]

@@EXPLORISTlife yea, sounds fair.. was just wondering. :)

[@fraserstewart7359]

Super video. Thanks. One question, can you use different sizes of mppt smartcontrollers, or do they need to be the same. For example i have a 100/50 and i want to het a second array but smaller. Can i get a 100/30. Or does that also need to be a 100/50

[@EXPLORISTlife]

They can be different. :)

[@bobjary9382]

Fantastic ....just what i needed to know

[@bobybayo]

I have a Victron 24V system (inverter, charge controller, battery) My array is 9 - 400W panels for a potential 3,600 watts. I've noticed a max usage of 2,500 watts from my system and read that the controller nominal PV input is 2,400watts. Could I install a second charge controller with some of the panels as a second array to use more PV power, closer to the 3,600? Thanks

[@duhhhh1723]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU ,THANK YOU .THIS IS THE SIMPLE SYSTEM I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR ALL MY LIFE .

[@EXPLORISTlife]

No problem. Happy to help!

[@Dtipton6662]

Where exactly can I purchase the wiring channel your using in this video to keep you area clean and neat ?

[@tomwilliam5118]

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

[@wheatbrook]

Great video I am bumping the voltage max and looking to add another controller and split my array in stead of replacing current controller

[@GingerAvenger22]

Would this be a preferred configuration to run a roof mounted system on a travel trailer that also has the option to connect a portable ground solar array?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep! Very much so.

[@gabakusa]

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?

[@SV_Naseem]

Nate, you are a hero! I have designed an off-grid solar system for my sailboat based on this video. However, I am confused with one thing only. The ground wire from the Victron charger/inverter (Quattro 12/5000) is going to the Lynx Distributor (sharing AC to DC?), is that the case? I hope, I get a reply. (Abaid from Nova Scotia, Canada).

[@EXPLORISTlife]

That's not the case, no. Only the DC negative and equipment ground is going to the Lynx Distributor.

[@SV_Naseem]

@@EXPLORISTlife Hi Nate, I appreciate a very swift response. Kindly let me know, how can I get a review of my design document (a Visio diagram exported to PNG graphic), and get the errors corrected? I am willing to pay a fee for this review.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

That is no longer a service I offer. Instead, I recommend using the diagrams I have pre-assembled at www.explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams and shop.explorist.life/product-category/all-products/plans-and-diagrams/solar-wiring-diagrams/ I will say, though, that the quattro 5k should REALLY be a 24V unit connected to a 24V battery bank. A 5k inverter is truly too big for a 12V battery bank.

[@SV_Naseem]

@@EXPLORISTlife awesome, thank you. 👍

[@Aimsport-video]

Thank you for the video. What about victrons with Load outputs? Can you parallel those?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

We don’t really utilize those in our system designs, so those can be ignored.

[@edmcmuffin3669]

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!!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

There's not, no.

[@vernonsteen748]

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

[@BoiseBlast]

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?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yes.

[@0900McShizzle]

Hi Nate, assuming the battery can only take a max of 50 amps charging current but the two MPPTs here output a total of 60 amps in parallel, how do you configure the max charging current to be under the limit when you have two MPPTs?

[@abduljakhul4872]

Hello I have 300w and MPPT and 200w PWM can i parallel it to charge into one battery bank?

[@المعلومةالخفية]

No

[@supremeautomotive6749]

Just keep them separate

[@ronaldsnider8078]

I have a system solar is 24v and 12 v batteries. S mppt thats 150/100. I want to serios/ partell 2/12 to 24. How do I connect a 120 panel to what item. I have 3000 inverter.

[@skullpoly1967]

​@@المعلومةالخفيةwhy not?

[@kevinward7498]

I'm not sure what you mean by parallel it, but I had a system for years that had one mppt charge controller and two pwm controllers feeding the same battery bank. Each controller had its own group of solar panels and connected to the battery bank as separate systems. I could shut one system down and the other two would keep charging.

[@mskman83]

On the bus bar you used 60A fuses. Is this to accommodate the 2*30A controllers. I'm trying to right size the fuses for two different model Victron CC. one is a 100/30 the new one is the 150/35 both connected to two different arrays using separate PV isolating breakers. I wanted to connect them to the same bus bars but got stuck thinking about the fuse size for each unit.

[@twidapate]

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.

[@johncorlett3699]

is it possible to connect one array to two chargers

[@jasonhayes2778]

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.

[@jws3925]

Do you have a video on grounding. There seems to be panel grounding and system grounding. I see you grounded the SCC with the negative buss bar. Is this "normal"? So the buss bar negative actually is in parallel with negative terminal of the battery. Is there some "other" grounding of the negative bar such as a grounding rod or ???? I totally confused on what all needs to be grounded and how it is all accomplished

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I don't have a specific video about grounding but all of our full system installs show proper grounding: kzbin.info/aero/PLmvhcyi4n0TUU8FUc6LE38TBkdSLjdw_5

[@TerrydeAlaska]

Where do you talk about mega fuze sizing feeding battery to the charge controller? Thanks.

[@eandmstern]

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.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Glad it helped!

[@anthonypinnock4137]

@@EXPLORISTlife i need diagram of how to wire 2 charge controller

[@covenant11]

Excellent video! Is there any odd penalty for using different size controllers? Thanks!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

No issues, no.

[@covenant11]

@@EXPLORISTlife Thank you!

[@kevincrain8354]

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 :)

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@willyum1208]

@@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?

[@turnpike420]

@@willyum1208 you can chain Lynx Distributors together.

[@terenceoloughlin3927]

@@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.

[@vectors1gma]

Hi, Thank you for your great videos, Is there a reason to use a fuse instead of a breaker ?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yes. The fuse fits in the Lynx Distributor. A breaker will not fit in the Lynx Distributor.

[@iainbarron4025]

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?

[@overexposurevideo]

Thnx a lot for your clear video, I want to combine a victron smart MPPT with a the not so smart smart victron Orion TR using the VE networking. What can I do to prevent the orion from thinking the battery is full and stop charging with 30 amps while the MPPT continues charging with the solar on the roof of the camper van at a low charge rate.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

At the moment, there is no way to 'officially' make them communicate and synchronize their charging efforts. That said; in our recent installs, and to my surprise, I've often been getting full charging wattage from both my Orion & my MPPT's natively without having them communicate. Unexpected result, but a win is a win.

[@overexposurevideo]

@@EXPLORISTlife interesting, I also get this for say max one hour and then the orion goes into trickle charge. The only solution I have now is turn off the MPPT charge controller.. The victron bluetooth dongle seems to support VE networking but thats probably not going to work on the Orion

[@EXPLORISTlife]

There's nowhere to plug in a bluetootth dongle into the Orion; so nope, that will not work.

[@overexposurevideo]

@@EXPLORISTlife Did you do anything special in your settings like putting absorption time longer or different voltage settings? thnx

[@TheShotgunExpresss]

Do I need to use the VE direct cables? What purpose do they serve if the Bluetooth connects them all together. Are they for communication to the cerbo?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Cerbo communications, yes.

[@richdv6800]

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?

[@gabrielho6021]

Thank you for sharing. I would like to ask can I connect multiple controllers to one PV array?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Nope. You'd want to split the array up into multiple arrays to each be charged by it's own charge controller.

[@BuzzKill67]

Is the lynx distributor the "smart shunt" you are referring to? If not I do not see the "smart shunt" in your diagram..... Thanks for the video.. Also are the grounds attached to the vehicle ?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Lynx Distributor and Smart Shunt are two totally different things and serve different purposes. Perhaps you should reach out to us at shop.explorist.life/support and we can get you headed in the right direction.

[@saidt.8200]

This may have been addressed before. Is there any reason for not using junction studs to connect the (-)s together and the (+)s together before connecting them to the lynx distributor?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Long story short, that would be improperly fused. The way I showed is definitely the best way to do it.

[@pNoid2k1]

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.

[@exkinky]

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.

[@StansE250]

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. 😫

[@CarlSgambelluri]

Excellent Tutorial. Got me excited about doing more Victron Installs!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey, Carl Sgambelluri! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

Didn’t know about the equipment ground or networking capabilities. What do you do if you have 2 charge controllers from different manufacturers that don’t communicate ?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hope for the best, basically. 😂🤷‍♂️

[@1tsmeeth]

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?

[@georgeidiculla6529]

Briefly and clearly illustrated. Thanks.

[@azycray4801]

If I have 4 panels and run them in series, can I split the supply cable with a Y connector to feed into two charge controllers? Or do I need to run separate cables for each charge controller from a 2 panel in series configuration?

[@igfoobar]

I'm interested in building an uninterruptable supply (for computers and such). Can I mix a solar charger and a line-powered charger?

[@donaldsmith3025]

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

[@david-tracy]

really great work Chad.

[@jakecaldwell6103]

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?

[@LiLBitsDK]

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.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey Jesper Andersen, No problem! Glad it helped! :)

[@norbertrivera]

Hi, i upgrade my system from 24 to 48 volts i have now total of 12 solar panels,6 are of a higher wattage so my question is : Can I connect two MPPTs with two different wattage solar panel banks to the same battery bank? one MPPT with the 6 lower wattage solar panels and the other MPPT with the higher wattage solar panels.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep! The arrays can indeed be different (as well as different sizes of charge controllers)

[@rasmataz1234]

Nice Video! I’m just absolut to do this installation! I wan’t to expand this installation with 12V waterheater as a dumpload when batteries are fully charged! Do you know how to connect that, is it possible to connect both MPPT to one heater or do need two? Or can I choose!?!? Regards Raz

[@rasmataz1234]

One more Q: do you use ANT protection against deep discharge of the batteries or is that in included in this Equipment!?!?

[@takkikayo]

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

[@66murphy]

Will the Victron dongle pick up both controllers though only plugged into one controller?

[@MikeJordanUnCamplicated]

What is that wiring track that you use. I have looed around and can't find a reference to it

[@ppi57]

Do you always use 2 pole, panel disconnect breakers... and where do you buy the sturdy breaker box (with DIN Rail)

[@Ricardofromage]

Your channel and knowledge are amazing 🙏

[@LadyTSurvival]

I do not have victron charge controllers.... So my question is...are the renogy charge controllers required to network,,. Do the have to talk to each other. Or can I just hook up each controller to the battery bank as is individually. I'm asking because I plan to add to solar array on my van later when I can afford it. I can make it 2 separate battery banks if necessary. 1 for my 12v fridge and 1 for the rest of my stuff. Would rather they were all 1 battery bank though.

[@bhurd2008]

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.

[@johncarr123]

What do you think about the new ECOflow plug and play solution that is now available? Did they reach out to you to demo there products?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I like those plug and play systems for a 'charge it up and chuck it in the car' kind of thing. We have a Jackery in our Subaru that we use for weekend car camping like that.

[@johncarr123]

@@EXPLORISTlife I am shocked that they did not send you a complete system to test out.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

They did offer that. I actually get enough portable power station review requests to turn this channel into Nate's Portable Power Station Review; but that sounds pretty miserable. 🤣😂

[@thestoicloner]

Can I ask if its possible to charge two complete different set ups, so two battery banks ,two charge controls, from the one solar array. I could connect them via Anderson plug double adaptors. I cant seem to find anything on this and appreciate your help. Thanks

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Not possible, no.

[@thestoicloner]

@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks for the feedback

[@FabioVasciarelli]

Hi, how do you size the fuses to put in the Lynx Distributor?

[@chrisplatten2293]

New comment on an old video. If using twin controllers to handle a fixed roof array as array 1 and a foldaway mobile array as array 2, how would you recommend making and breaking the connection for the foldaway array. The specific situation I have is for a small 2 x 120 watt fixed array on a busy roof with not much space for a large array. This would be base load charging. I would also have a foldable array made of another set of 2 x 120 watt. When I am parked up, but in and around the van, I would connect the portable array for more power or to give a better panel position if my parkup has the fixed array shaded or poorly orientated to the sun. I would be connecting and disconnecting the portable array often, so need a safe and reliable way to do so. I suspect that just having MC4 connectors is the wrong answer and they are not going to last with repeated use. To avoid shocking myself, the portables would be stored as folded pair with the cells inside (some soft protection in between) so that there is no light hitting them, so no voltage. After making the connection, unfold to expose to the sun and start charging.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Sure! We actually have a wiring kit for a ground deploy array in addition to the roof array. Check that out here: shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/camper-wiring-kits/component-wiring-kits/solar-array-wiring-kit-2/

[@neliosamch3195]

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

[@belzebubukas]

Nice vid! Question - can load terminals be used (with MPPTs that have them ofc) if there's 2 MPPTs connected in parallel?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I don't see why not.

[@barryreeves9191]

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

[@iangascoigne370]

Have used 2 solar charge controllers to charge my battery bank dose all the setting have to be the same on both charge controllers

[@crosleyfiver8686]

do the solar charge controllers have to be the same, can I have a 100/15 with a 100/30??? Thanks for the informative videos!!!!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

They don't have to be the same size, no.

[@crosleyfiver8686]

@@EXPLORISTlife Many Thanks for the Victron info!!!

[@jayallen8436]

Do you have a video on two or more invertors install?

[@p40whk]

Would you mind sharing what software you are using to create your wiring diagrams? I would like to make one specific to my application and components and cant seem to find anything like this. Are you drawing it in PowerPoint with inserted photos or is there actual software to do this kind of drawing? Thanks, love your videos!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Sure! I use Microsoft Visio for all of my diagrams / illustrations.

[@Scat.original]

Thank you, Thank you, I am very impressed with your teaching, I appreciate your time and effort

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey exp1278, Thanks so much! Cheers!

[@richardshaules3981]

Hey mate, just wondering what you've used to connect the negative between the two charge controllers and the Lynx? Thanks heaps.

[@getsome2506]

Thanks Nate, do MPPT controllers get hot can they be put inside a waterproof box

[@EXPLORISTlife]

They can get hot, yes. It's recommended that the charge controllers have adequate ventilation; which a 100% waterproof box would likely not have.

[@julspeng6098]

Hi Nate, Can you put different wattage 12 volt panels into a Victron charge controller? Thanks and Cheers David

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Sometimes. More info: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJbNo6Jqr9Cfbqs

[@yvkvideos]

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

[@markratliff7991]

I currently have a single 150/85 Victron connected to my Victron Linx Distributor. I am looking into adding and additional 150/85 Solar Charge Controller for an additional solar array. I have no available positive/negative open lugs on the Linx Distributor and have no space to add an additional "addon" lug as you have shown in other videos or an additional Linx Distributor. My question is can I use the existing positive/negative lugs on the Linx Distributor that are currently connected to my single Solar Charge Controller to connect to a "remote" positive and negative busbar (4 lug) and connect the positive and negative cables from the 2 charge controllers to the remote busbar? I current am using 2 AWG cables to connect my single charge controller positive and negative to the Linx Distributor. If I go with the remote busbar method described above. 1. What guage cable do I need to use to connect the remote busbar to the Linx Distributor 2. Do I need to use a busbar like the Blue Sea Systems 5196 Fuse Block MRBF or just increase the size of the existing MEGA fuse on the Linx Distributor where my existing Charge Controller positive cable is connected Thanks again for your input. Love your videos! Happy New Year!

[@dnic715]

Why do you have to earth out the controllers, and you you still need to earth out the single controller if uou are only using ? Another great and helpful video

[@EXPLORISTlife]

In the event of an internal catastrophic device failure where the positive wire contacts the case of the unit, this equipment ground wire would allow power to flow back to the busbars and would allow the power to flow freely which would allow the fuse protecting the wire from the busbar to the charge controller to trip. This also needs to be connected with a single charge controller. How to wire a single charge controller: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joTJpmuMZamFZ8k

[@dnic715]

Thanks for help, keep up the great videos it helps alot

[@alvinpasagui]

Question. how come you got different voltage measure from your solar panel array. 41.8v and 19.2v they are connected together.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Each charge controller was connected to two different sized arrays that were operating at different voltages/amperages/wattages.

[@zzzdoerrr2826]

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!

[@fongsa1yuk]

Can you mix different Victron SCC? You have 150/100... but can you also add 100/20?

[@Amycolo1]

Mind sharing a link for the PV disconnect and breakers, please?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

shop.explorist.life/shop/all-products/switches-disconnects/solar-isolator-disconnect/

[@Amycolo1]

@@EXPLORISTlife thank you, sir. Appreciate it.

[@julspeng6098]

Hi Nate, 1 more question please. Can you put different size Victron charge controllers in the same string? Cheers David

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yep!

[@thebatmom]

I need to know how or what I need to hook up a 2,000 and 3,000 watt to my 800 watt solar panels and 60 mppt controller, have any videos of that?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

You have 800 watt solar panels? 😳😂

[@thebatmom]

@@EXPLORISTlife let me rephrase, I have 8 panels, 100 watt each panels

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Gotcha. Yes, our videos will teach you how to do that. Probably have to watch several of them depending on what specific parts you are piecing together.

[@thebatmom]

@@EXPLORISTlife I need to know what goes where, I have 4 hybrid gel batteries connected to the 60 mppt charge controller, the solar plugged into controller as well , than the batteries are connected to the 3000watt inverter ...how do I add the 2000 watt inverter too? And what would I need to add if anything so it works and doesn't blow up 🤫 BTW I live in a portable building off grid, learning as I go, and finding out every single way you shouldn't do more than finding the right way so far.

[@MotorhomeDIY]

Great information thanks … a question tho can you charge 1 battery bank with a solar connected to a mppt and a solar connected to a pwm controller? Thanks

[@EXPLORISTlife]

A victron PWM and Victron MPPT will not communicate like shown in this video.

[@MotorhomeDIY]

@@EXPLORISTlife but can you use them both on the same battery on separate solar panels

[@MotorhomeDIY]

@@EXPLORISTlife but can you use them both on the same battery on separate solar panels

[@burakdemirci265]

Hi Nate; just one question: how will be the communication with cerbo, if we have more than 2 mppt (maybe 3 or 4 )? because first Ve.direct port are full with shunt?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

For that, you'll want to use the Victron Octo GX instead as it has 10 VE.Direct ports.

[@burakdemirci265]

@@EXPLORISTlife what if used “ve.direct to usb interface” for mppt or shunt? So that I can use usb ports? Have you ever tested?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

@@burakdemirci265 What does the Cerbo GX user manual say about that? 🙂😉

[@damionrussell8093]

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?

[@TheDridri31]

Thank you for helping us all confidently build our systems! I have a quick question though. I'm building a system with a similar configuration. Upstream of both charge controllers, can the 2 solar arrays share the same neutral? thank you!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Nope.

[@Pierobon]

@@EXPLORISTlife Pin Q&A! =)

[@easyoutgrid]

Hey how you doing buddy and I was looking at your KZbin 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