This is VERY VERY helpful. You answered all the questions I have in mind. Now, I'm more comfortable doing my project. You have a new subscriber here. Keep adding more videos man. Thanks!
@cleversolarpower24 күн бұрын
Thanks for the sub 🙏
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
Update: if you have a single series string no fuse is required. If you have multiple series strings, then a fuse is required. 🎁Get 7 FREE diagrams to kickstart your Off-Grid journey! View and get them here: cleversolarpower.com/free-diagrams/ 🎁
@spruce_goose5169 Жыл бұрын
I think you only need OCPD's when it is MORE THAN 2 series strings.
@Shane7son4 ай бұрын
Love your videos this is a big help for me and you explain things real simple unlike the other guys You also get straight straight to the point I don’t like to reload my fridge all the time because I work outdoors. I have power tools like you that are battery power. So thank you. Can I run a refrigerator
@cleversolarpower4 ай бұрын
Thanks Shane! I try to keep my videos to the point so I don't waste people's time. I made a video about how much power my fridge consumes. Check it out on my channel page.
@HelloKLWАй бұрын
your video is very informative. thank you.
@cleversolarpowerАй бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@Bendy509-cz8vz2 ай бұрын
Do one about circuit breaker dc and ac please
@Khaztr3 ай бұрын
if you're adding fuses on the positive line, doesn't that add some resistance, and therefore require you to add some extra wire on the negative side to equalize the resistance between both lines?
@kaundabwalya7776 Жыл бұрын
Well explained 👏Thanks Sir 👍
@alanblyde8502 Жыл бұрын
Great review description mate👌🇦🇺
@adex2000ng3 ай бұрын
Well appreciated video
@dougiee65895 ай бұрын
I like simple math and this video is it
@thesolarpowerinstallersass63510 ай бұрын
Very good information tks
@FarqueKnowsWhereАй бұрын
The 3 panels connected in series has an array amperage of 6.2, and a maximum series fuse rating of 15A, the array doesn’t need to be fused, the fuse won’t do anything.
@shaynegadsden14 күн бұрын
You are stupid right, did you not listen to the statement at the start
@fujchi217221 күн бұрын
why did you use 6.2 amps in the calculations when the panels showed a rating of 5.8?
@cleversolarpower21 күн бұрын
I use the Isc, highest possible current.
@Torumees03 ай бұрын
my isc A show 6.68, should i use 10A and 30A or i need to go 15 and 40?
@loganreynolds43963 ай бұрын
Thank you for you video - I have 4 550 W panels, with the following specs. What configuration would you recommend ? 2S2P? For Fuse 1 and Fuse 2 (14.01 x 1.56 = 21.86) would a 30a inline fuse work?? And then for the Fuse 3 - what type of fuse should be used?? Is there any benefit of doing a 2P2S configuration?? thank you! Series 1 & 2 = 100v and 14A = 100v 28A going to the charge controller. VMP: 41.96 IMP:13.11 ISC:14.01 VOC:49.9
@JerryMartins-vh9vcАй бұрын
Good day , this safety factor 1.56 is it common/ constant to all countries ?. How can we find this safety factor ??
@cleversolarpowerАй бұрын
It's a standard factor for cables that are outside under the sun. Indoors safety factor is 1.25
@johntheaccountant55948 ай бұрын
In your calculation 6.2A x 1.56 = 9.6A where did the 1.56 figure come from? OK; the 1.56 is a safety factor but before you were using 1.25
@cleversolarpower8 ай бұрын
The safety factor for being outdoors changes because it can get hotter outside. Imagine a black wire on a black roof at noon will get much hotter than a wire inside your house.
@abitofeverything19853 ай бұрын
I still don't quite understand where 1.56 came from? Is it Maximum Series Fuse 15 A figure? My panel have (Ipm) 8.86 A, and Maximum Series Fuse 20 A. What fuse i need??
@HariPLTS Жыл бұрын
Nice info
@clintoncoker6 Жыл бұрын
I've never understood the reason for fusing solar panels. Even if you rub through a solar wire and it shorts to earth, the fuse will not blow as a) it is sized lower than the solar current (as it has to be), and b) the fuse would be near the charge controller, so your short would typically be after the fuse, and c) typically the charge controller would stop any battery current trying to flow back through the panels in case of any wiring fault.
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
In a series configuration, yes. But in a parallel configuration, you need it. If one panel is shorted, the other panels will back feed into the broken panel, sending lots of current to it. In order for the panel not to melt, the fuse of the broken panel melts. However, I think it's still useful and good practice to fuse a series connection.
@Ibian666 Жыл бұрын
Houses catch on fire from unfused parallel panels, is why.
@susiejrgensen70416 ай бұрын
@clewersolar I need to paralel, because my panel give 12,2 Amp Isc, and 41 Voc volt, and my controller max 75 volt, I have 2 panels, shall I use 12,2 Amp x 1,25 = 15/16 Amp ? Thanks
@qodaxdhuuni53323 ай бұрын
Thank you. What drawing program did you use?
@cleversolarpower3 ай бұрын
For the videos I use videoscribe. For the drawings edraw.
@SetchiPaunda11 ай бұрын
great video ! Very clear
@JohnDoe-pn3qu Жыл бұрын
where is the '1.56' in your formula ISC x 1.56 = minimum fuse size coming from? I ask because my solar panels have Isc 8.75A. So 8.75 x 1.56 = 13.65A minimum fuse size, but the panel indicates: 'max series fuse = 12A'.
@manonfire7675 Жыл бұрын
yeah, i don't get this too.
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
Hello John, good question. This is because the cabling is mounted outside. We need to apply an additional 125% safety margin. So it becomes 8.75A x 1.25 x 1.25= 13.67A. if you look on my website, the article about 'how to calculate fuse size for solar system' it's explained there.
@narotica1 Жыл бұрын
@@cleversolarpower so why 1.56 not 1.25?
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
@@narotica1 check my previous answer
@narotica1 Жыл бұрын
@@cleversolarpower yeah it was a shit explanation, 1.25 * 1.25 is 1.56 for everybody else
@DomainUltra7 ай бұрын
Is a fuse required if only one 100w panel is plugged directly into a solar generator with built in MPPT?
@cleversolarpower7 ай бұрын
No, but a breaker could be depending on your local code.
@dheller7776 ай бұрын
I have three 300 watt panels that will be wired in parallel due to shading. Each has a short circuit current of 18.1 amps. So I woll need 3 20 amp fuses one for each panel. How big of fuse will I need forthe iotput end of my 3 into one adapter? Thank you
@cleversolarpower6 ай бұрын
No, isc x 1.56
@cardinhamkilligrew97126 ай бұрын
I have two 120 watt solar panels (ss 6.8 amps) in parallel. was planning on 12 awg wire from panels to mppt and 10 awg from mppt to batteries. before combiner was going to use 15 amp inline fuse and a 20 amp MPPT. will that work? i assume the combined power was 21.6 volts at 13.6 amps. Thoughts?
@cleversolarpower6 ай бұрын
6.8*1.56*2 panels in parallel = 21A. 20a fuse is on the edge but ok.
@awesomedee5421 Жыл бұрын
Great summary. Is there a device to boost up voltage after the combiner so don't have to have such a thick cable, and then on the other side of the run bring the voltage back down?
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
Not that I am aware of. A solution is to wire your panels in series.
@johntheaccountant55948 ай бұрын
Can you use an MCB instead of a Fuse?
@cleversolarpower8 ай бұрын
An MCB from a reputable brand is more expensive. MCB's are used in AC switchboards because they can be switched off often. For DC, it's cheaper to have fuses. If you look at the end of the video you can see a popular MCB which is unbranded. It's known to cause problems and heat up under use.
@smvsspould Жыл бұрын
Where do you get the 6.2amps and the 1.56 from?
@rdd8094 Жыл бұрын
I didn't understand either ...
@cleversolarpower11 ай бұрын
6.2A is the Isc (short circuit of the panel) and 1.56 is a safety factor for calculating current in a conductor for outdoor wiring.
@naveencruise15596 ай бұрын
How did you get that 1.56 value ??
@cleversolarpower6 ай бұрын
1.56 is the safety factor considering wires that are outside. The sun will influence the temperature of the cable, so thats why the safety factor is 1.25x1.25=1.56
@jonnytacooutdoors Жыл бұрын
So where do you fuse the panels ? Did I miss that
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
The fusing happens as close to the power source as possible. This can be an inline MC-4 fuse. You can also add the fuse next to the charge controller right before it enters the input of the charge controller. You can also use a combiner box if you have parallel strings.
@jonnytacooutdoors Жыл бұрын
@@cleversolarpower I’m using a PV shut off switch. As close to the power source as in the panel or the battery? So if you meant the panel then just clip it onto the panel mc4 output cable right?😎
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
@@jonnytacooutdoors To the panel. Yes, if that is physically possible. If you have parallel strings, then you can do it after the combiner box.
@jonnytacooutdoors Жыл бұрын
@@cleversolarpower am I just fusing the positive line? I plan on just plugging in the fuse to the positive line coming out of the first panel and then have that wire go down into the truck
@nickchlapanas2987 Жыл бұрын
Great video, great analysis. I have a question though, what is the difference between mc4 fused connector and mc4 diode connectors?
@nickchlapanas2987 Жыл бұрын
I also would like to ask what fuse should I use for a 7.75a panel? 10 a or 15a?
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
The max fuse size will be indicated on the back of the panel. I recommend watching the video again. MC4 fuses is just a fuse holder which fit MC-4 connectors. I suspect that MC4 diode connectors are the same. Why would you use a diode?
@netrocker9990 Жыл бұрын
@@cleversolarpoweryou're wrong,mc4 diode is used as blocking diode to avoid shading issues between two parallel strings/parallel panels
@bestillandknowthatuaregod6 ай бұрын
What Fuse Size for 150W Solar Panel - ISC Amps 8.76 should I use? THANKS
@cleversolarpower6 ай бұрын
8.76x1.56=13.6 so a 15A fuse is ok. But you don't need a fuse for one panel.
@bestillandknowthatuaregod6 ай бұрын
Im only using 2 150Wats Panels in parallel. Still need fuse?@@cleversolarpower
@user-tu4qj8dg8m6 ай бұрын
Why you don't need a fuse for one panel? @@cleversolarpower
@hollygrinstead72526 ай бұрын
Why no fuse needed for one panel?
@danieleercole9973 Жыл бұрын
Hi…thank you for your video is amazing …I have a question …I have 2 solar panel 200w 18.2v 11.7 amp and 1 100w 20.4v 5 amp …the question is …what tipe of fuse do I need for the 200w panels ? And one more question …the fuse that will go string after the 3to1 adapter will a need a 50amp fuse and if so is going to make any problems with the mc4 connector due that they are rated only for 30amp …thank you for your help
@davidjosephhansen8555 Жыл бұрын
I'm installing twelve 400w panels at my cabin. The EG4 3000w MPPT/inverter has an input limit of 500w and 80a max charging current. These panels are 36.8v and 13.85A. short circuit current 13.55A, Pmax -0.34%/C. I was first going to make two strings of 6 and put them in parallel for 27.7A, but you made me reconsider and think about putting them all in series. 36.8v x 12 =441.6 V for the series, less than the 500v the inverter can handle. In Wisconsin, it is possible to get a -37C event in winter, so using the Pmax I figure that could be a voltage increase of 13% to 499V. I don't know if that Pmax uses the panel's temperature or ambient temperature, but is that cutting it too close? Should I stick with two strings in parallel for 27.A or try for all in a series at 13.85A? I have a fairly long cable run of 120', so I figure I'd be much better off with the lower amperage and fusing would be simpler.
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
You need two series strings to make 6S2P. Your voltage will be over 500V. Voc*12*1.25=max 500V. In your case this is: 36.8V*12*1.25=552V. Your charge controller can get damaged on cold sunny days. 1.25 is a safety factor.
@SweetFLGuy1 Жыл бұрын
cleversolarpower What size fuses should I use when connecting four 180w solar panels in 2series2parallel. Each panel is rated 10.5 amps max with a series 15 max rating on each panel going into a 15 amp max rated portable solar generator. I'm guessing the formula is 10.5 x 1.56 = 16.38 amps so would I need two 15 amp fuses going into a 30 amp fuse or two 20 amp fuses going into a 40 amp fuse after that before it goes into the solar generator rated at 15 amps max. Will it work and safely to protect my panels and solar generator without constantly blowing fuses? Let me know. Thanks
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
You need two 15A fuses and one 30 amp fuse.
@joeking3966 Жыл бұрын
Hello, thank you for the informative videos, love the content! I have a stupid question, at 3:46 when you are explaining the voltage drop across different wire sizes, I was wondering how did you come into the conclusion that the 14awg wire is sufficient? Or at 4:17, 12awg is sufficient voltage drop for the 2 strings? Is there a rule of thumb on the % drop is acceptable? Thank you in advance!
@joeking3966 Жыл бұрын
Haha, nevermind, i just saw your other video that explained the voltage drop of 3%. Thank you!
@The_Resistance_1961 Жыл бұрын
OK, I bought two solar panels and don't plan on linking them at all. I'll be running both control boxes that came with each panel. Now, the wires, control box etc can all be handled easily by the wires and by the control box itself, so would I need a fuse between each panel and the control box? The solar panels are rated at 15 Amps each, control boxes are 30 Amp.
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
No need for a fuse if there is only one solar panel per controller.
@The_Resistance_1961 Жыл бұрын
@@cleversolarpower Yeah I watched a couple more vids and got around adding solar panels by simply running each panel (350W) on the controller that came with them, but I might add a busbar to minimise the number of rings around the battery terminals. Yeah, then I figure it can't go wrong given that SLA batteries give off a ''resistance'' which each controller reads and moderates, although one must apparently make one of them the master controller so that the batteries don't ''equalise'' more than once a month. Nevertheless I've added 30 amp circuit breakers between panels and controllers, and put 200 ah fuses between each of the four batteries in my bank. It's not that hard when you watch videos such as your own.I've had a simple philosophy all my life - if you don't know something just ask someone who does.
@Greg65 Жыл бұрын
There is no reason to place a "combined current" fuse (F4 @ THE 1:38 mark) after the normal parallel fuses (F1, F2 & F3) as it serves no purpose, if anything goes wrong after these fuses they will blow anyway (before fuse F4 can blow).!
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
It's a solar disconnect breaker (resettable fuse). Maybe I should have made it more clear what it is. The breaker is there to isolate the solar panels from the system. It is required to do so.
@Greg65 Жыл бұрын
@@cleversolarpower Thanks for the reply, yes that makes 100% sense of things!
@MrHanzeeman Жыл бұрын
@@cleversolarpower yes, maybe you can add a caption to clarify that. It certainly didn't come across in the video like that.
@Floyd1120078 ай бұрын
Yes, this is now clear. Exactly like in my combiner box. @@cleversolarpower
@user-dh1tp7nc9i Жыл бұрын
What about Solar DIODE connector fuse. Is it the same ?
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
The diodes are already on the back of the panel in the small box. You need to add the fuse with an MC-4 connector fuse holder.
@aysensvoboda2274 Жыл бұрын
Great video. May I ask which tool you use for those drawings? Thank you
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
Thanks. I use Edraw.
@bogdan.dobrowolski11 ай бұрын
Do I need a fuse for a single solar panel, for example 300W. ???
@cleversolarpower11 ай бұрын
No
@bogdan.dobrowolski11 ай бұрын
@@cleversolarpower THANKS !!
@expeditionchef222 Жыл бұрын
My panels have a maximum fuse rating of 20A. I have 22 panels in seri parallel with 2 strings. 495 wats per panel. What would you suggest regarding the fuse’s?
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
Fuse every series string, and then the combined array for a total of 3 fuses.
@expeditionchef222 Жыл бұрын
@@cleversolarpower thank you very much. And what fuse rating you suggest? 20amp for individual and 32 amps for combined? Thank you
@josegarcia-th3pj Жыл бұрын
it has to be a fuse or can be a breaker
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
Can be both, a fuse will be cheaper.
@expeditionchef222 Жыл бұрын
Where do you get the 1.56 from?
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
It's a safety factor.
@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity Жыл бұрын
No fuse needed paralleling two series strings or two individual panels. Fuse each when three or more in parallel.
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
Every parallel string needs a fuse. And for simplicity reasons I recommend fusing solar panels.
@davebenz8271 Жыл бұрын
@@cleversolarpower Is that required, or just you being overly cautious?
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
@@davebenz8271 Fusing is required for parallel strings. I do recommend fusing series solar panels if the combined Isc of the panels goes over the rated current of the wire.
@MrHanzeeman Жыл бұрын
I think rv10flyer has a point... Please correct me if I'm wrong. If the first of two panels in parallel, has a short, it's fuse may blow or may not, depending on how much over Isc you installed. Now say it didn't blow, and the second panel in parallel starts to back feed it... It also won't blow it because it can only provide 1 times the Isc. 3 or more panels in parallel... Different story. Edit: Or do you still add in the being produced by the shorted panel?
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
@@MrHanzeeman No need to have a fuse when you have one or two parallel strings. You need to calculate the Isc though. If you have three parallel strings or parallel panels, then you need to fuse because the combined ISC is higher than the 1.25xIsc of the panel. Hope this helps.
@chansuihing1416 Жыл бұрын
Where can I buy the book
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
You can check the link in the description.
@jacqalas Жыл бұрын
Hi. Will the fuse be helpful for lightning in any way or is the fuse just for over current and not high voltages?
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
a fuse will not help with lightning, you should consider it a loss when it hits your panels. Don't ground the panels and bring it inside of your house where it can destroy more equipment.
@manfredkuminski54482 ай бұрын
Use fuses only for 80% of their nominal value.
@cleversolarpower2 ай бұрын
That's why we multiply by 1.25
@Swenser Жыл бұрын
The solar panels can't provide anymore current in series than rated. No need for fuse in series.
@cleversolarpower Жыл бұрын
Correct. If you have multiple series strings, then a fuse is required.