Multiple Charge Controllers One Battery Bank: MPPT and PWM

[@cleversolarpower]

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[@sempertard]

Nick, you have single handedly hit upon nearly every solar question I have ever had, including all of these "what if" scenarios. I may never connect multiple charge controllers to one battery bank. I may never combine the A/C outputs of two or more inverters capable of doing so, but then again, I might. But what is just as important, is gaining the insight into the characteristics of these components. That comfortable feeling of being in the ballpark of knowing what to expect is priceless. These videos are pure gold. I snagged your book off of AMZ.

[@cleversolarpower]

Thank you for your comment. I do appreciate it as it keeps me making more content like this. 🙏

[@The_Resistance_1961]

An excellent video which answered pretty much all my questions, and gave me some info I didn't know. I'm subbed.

[@GlobalSolarEnergyPakistan]

Good demonstration with proof of calculations.❤

[@timgiddens9799]

Thank you so much! This is such a helpful video!

[@mapbike]

Just ordered your book so looking forward to the shared knowledge you give in this book, this will help me get my off grid cabin setup and maybe I can help some friends also.

[@cleversolarpower]

Thanks for your support! Send me an email if you have questions.

[@mapbike]

@@cleversolarpower Thank you very much.

[@808pathfinder]

This subject can be tricky but you dumb it down nicely so I can understand more about these systems, ty👍

[@cleversolarpower]

Thanks!

[@eddiepires3998]

very helpful. Clearly explained

[@wasistgluckeineformelfurgl7327]

Ich habe insgesamt 6 Laderegler parallel geschaltet. Es funktioniert ohne Probleme.

[@cleversolarpower]

Lucky you! (Just kidding) Of course it works 😉

[@BrianFoster-j2l]

Thank you for your answers to my question my friend

[@Cliflyri]

Fantastic, thank you for sharing this information.

[@petermizon4344]

Very good explanation, I'm wiser now lol

[@anasir4a]

I have a hybrid solar inverter already installed which charges batteries and also running load. Adding a charge controller to the same batteries, is there any chance of running current from the charge controller to the inverter itself and damaging the inverter?

[@VladimirKharkob]

Thanks Great Video

[@stevemcmahon974]

Thanks, very useful information!

[@stevewhite9813]

Well there we go thank you very much 😊 ☺

[@waynehobbs5175]

Excellent thank you

[@ekeretteekpo3004]

Thank you for the video. I would like to remark on MPPT controllers, particularly that they come with preset configurations for different kinds of batteries. I would think that the default for different types of batteries should rightly have taken into consideration their C rates and therefore control the charging suitably. No?

[@cleversolarpower]

The charge controllers are only regulated for their charging parameters, not the capacity (Ah) of the battery they are charging. The highest current charge/discharge is mostly from the inverters, not the solar panels.

[@adassociates8235]

Hi Nick, should (2) charge controllers be parallel to their separate bus bar then output to main bus bar as our (4) batteries already parallel to main bus bar? Thanks

[@cinnamonoctopus]

Do both charge controllers have to be of the same rate?

[@cleversolarpower]

No, they can charge at different currents. Of course they have to be the same voltage. It's the same as a charger from shore and a charge controller combined. The battery will take all the energy it can, even if it comes from multiple sources.

[@Dylon1981]

I read somewhere that modern charge controllers (MPPT/PWM) can automatically detect the type of battery connected and they will automatically provide what voltage and current needed. is it true?

[@cleversolarpower]

Not true. They can only detect voltage, not battery type.

[@kkp8398]

Thanks for the great video. Practical question. I have 2x 20a mppt i want to connect them to a 250ah battery. How should I practically do that? Connect both mppt's to the battery-poles? Or first bring them together, and then with one set of wires to the battery?

[@cleversolarpower]

There is a max limit on connections to battery terminals. This is a maximum of 3. If you have more, then bring them to a busbar.

[@truthseekertree]

​@@cleversolarpowerwhy would there be a limit on the number of wires to a battery terminal? Why would you need a busbar? Is this just so it's cleaner more organized? Why would several writes going to battery cables otherwise be a problem? I really would like to know your opinion and further explanation for my learning

[@stevenjohn350]

@@truthseekertree maybe reason is the amount of thread of bolt into the battery and also the current doesnt flow through the layers of too many connections very well. Over time it can be an issue.

[@KellyKennedy-c5v]

So I've seen several videos that concur with your findings; that you can use multiple charge controllers to charge a bank. Can I also use multiple standard chargers. For instance, I have 3 100 Ah LifFePO4 batteries in parallel. Can I use an LiTime 20 amp charger and a NOCO 10 amp charger simultaneously to charge the bank? To make it more complex, can I use solar charge controllers and battery chargers at the same time, even while taking a load off the batteries? By the title of the video, it looks like the charge controllers don't have to be the same size or the same type (MPPT and PWM) right? Thanks

[@cleversolarpower]

Yes of course. As long as the C-rate of the battery can handle it.

[@mskman83]

Can both charge controllers be landed on a bus bar? I have a victron 100/30 and want to add another perhaps bigger mppt. Can both controllers be connected to the positive and negative bus bar instead of directly to the battery? If so is fusing required beyond the positive fuse from charge controller.

[@takkikayo]

Can i use two different type of scc on a 200 Ah lifepo4 batteries if so do you have diagram ? And how to calibrate?

[@NYCamper62]

I have 4x agm batteries, would you say the 1 controller for equalize still applies?

[@jasonpocklington9217]

I have one 400ah battery and want to add another victron 100/20 charge controller for more solar panels what in your opinion is the best formula to achieve this

[@cleversolarpower]

You can add it, depending if you have other chargers connected and don't go over the current of the BMS inside of the battery.

[@papagiannis8235]

Hello. I have a photovoltaic system with 4 panels 340w and 4 panels 275w. at 340w I have a pwm regulator and at 275 an mppt regulator. I supply 24v batteries but the regulator mppts the 4 panel 275 no feeder at all. what should i improve in my system thanks you

[@rongray4118]

What would you suggest for an Absolyte GX 2,000 Amp hour/48 volt VRLA for charging OFF GRID with generator support? I have to make all the connection plates for this unit as well.

[@cleversolarpower]

I'm not sure what your question is. I have a video about generators in the making.

[@rongray4118]

@@cleversolarpower in regard to charging such a large VRLA - how many charge controllers would a person be limited to for charging purposes. We are on a mountaintop and roof space is limited but multiple stationary arrays with separate controllers may be able to solve our problem without having to purchase one or more trackers. I thought the price had come down on trackers but the price is still quite high.

[@tombouie]

Thks

[@roy196805]

What kind of set up would I need for a 3000 W pure sine inverter and 4 200 Wah AGM BATTERYS

[@cleversolarpower]

Check my most popular video: how many batteries for a 3,000W inverter.

[@brandonhayes19]

Thanks for the super detailed video, this answered most of the questions I have been searching for weeks to find! The only thing left I am wondering is do I have to match the amperage of my current charge controller? I just upgraded my tv battery from one 65ah lead acid to 2 100ah lifepo4 batteries. I have a 200w panel with a 30a charge controller currently, I am looking to add another charge controller to a suitcase panel that I can move into the sunlight as needed. Does the suitcase panel charge controller also have to be 30a or can I install a 10a or a 20a with no issues? Thank you in advance for any insight!

[@cleversolarpower]

You don't have to increase the current of your charger. It will just take longer to charge the battery. However, you need to get a charger suitable for lithium batteries. As far as the charge controller, it doesn't need to have the same current. Watch my video about sizing a charge controller.

[@kapilsds7]

My current system is 12v. Can i add another 12v battery in series and charge batteries with separate charge controller.

[@cleversolarpower]

You have to add the battery in parallel. Check my video about parallel batteries.

[@kapilsds7]

@@cleversolarpower My mistake, i need 24v but i have now 12v system.Can i charge individual battery with 12v charge controller and solar panels. But use for load in 24v.

[@johnblack9473]

Hi I got a 300 watt solar blanket that I use on my 120ah lithium I want to get another solar blanket around 300-400 watt I don’t want to join them preferably just use another regulator for the other solar blanket will I have to use any fuses for this or it will be fine and the wires that go to the battery can I join them?

[@cleversolarpower]

You dont need to fuse the solar panels. However, you need to fuse the wires going from the charge controller to the battery. Let's say your charge controller is 20A, then you need to use the following fuse: 20A*1.25=25A or higher. Then use a wire which is suited to carry 25A or more.

[@Info-h3o]

Plz answer one important question for me Can we connect in parallel pwm and mppt , to charge one tubular battery. Pwm and mppt have different charging voltages, so will it cause any problem or work fine?

[@cleversolarpower]

Yes, it will be ok.

[@Info-h3o]

@@cleversolarpower Thanks

[@moto-rambler]

Thanks for the video. It would've been more helpful to see where circuit breakers or fuses would go in the wiring diagrams you provided.

[@cleversolarpower]

Thanks, I have made a video especially about fusing a solar system. Checkout my channel for more information.

[@rongray4118]

Subscribed

[@nehemz432]

Does it matter if having two MPPT of different size, e.g. 30a + 60a. 30a having panels of 200w*2 (total of 400w) and the 60a having 500w*2 (total of 1000w). The same parallel charging a battery pack on 48v.

[@cleversolarpower]

No problem.

[@ianmather7109]

I am trying to help a friend who has 3 sets of panels, 3 charge controllers and 5 Eaton 140 ah AGM batteries. The batteries are less than 5 years old and do not support his needs for a cottage Can one charge controller be swapped for a Victron one even if the other two are PWM controllers?.

[@cleversolarpower]

Yes, no problem. You can have multiple chargers on one battery. Make sure only one has equalization mode enabled.

[@ilamalihilustan22]

What current MPPT controller is recommended for 24v 200ah LifePo4 battery?

[@cleversolarpower]

Basically any MPPT that has a charging profile for lifepo4 batteries and work with 24V. Some brand names that come to mind are Epever, Victron, Renogy

[@sebastianarceo7662]

Hi, I just want to ask if it is possible to have 2 charge controller for Hybrid of Hydro and Solar? Charging only 1 battery

[@cleversolarpower]

I don't have experience with hydro, But it should be possible since its also a charging option.

[@mygadgetzhaiqal7410]

Can i use different charge controller brand to charge the same battery ?

[@cleversolarpower]

Yes

[@Rayz3ON]

Hello, here's an interesting question. what if you have one controller 12v pwm and another 24v connected mppt to 12v system? Is it possible/safe? What are the issues that can arise?

[@cleversolarpower]

If you have a lithium battery with bms it will disconnect the battery. If you have a lead acid, it will cook it.

[@dPFarmville]

Hi, I have a novice question. How do I disable equalization on my lead acid battery? I have a 20a mppt solar charge controller connected to 220W (100W & 120W) panels and 100ah battery. I don’t seem to understand why my battery keeps overcarging reaching 16.1V at full sun.🥺

[@cleversolarpower]

If you cannot disable it in the settings you can adjust the voltage level of the equalization function. Set that to the normal charging voltage for 100% charging.

[@ekeretteekpo3004]

Kindly check your charger settings. Consult the manual and configure the charging to suit your type of lead acid battery. On mine I can choose between Sealed, Flooded, Lithium and Custom. So far, I have monitored the charging hourly and it seems to comply with the specifications from the manufacturer for my flooded lead acid battery. If yours is showing greater than 15, that's overcharging, especially if it stays that way for longer than 20 minutes. I learned that higher voltage charging tends to occur for equalisation purposes and this shouldn't take long (less than an hour).

[@mikemosc3254]

i am still very confused about c rate. in regards to time charged or how to calculate it like you say we should do in the video.

[@cleversolarpower]

I made a dedicated video about c rate. You can find it on my channel.

[@joeybez5464]

IF I RERSET ONE CONTROLLER DO I NEED TO RESET THE OTHER ONE?

[@chadrickwhite146]

Can you connect pwm alongside an mppt

[@cleversolarpower]

Yes

[@chadrickwhite146]

OK thanks so much Could you also plz explain the charging Amp of a lithium battery plz because per calculation the scc Amp rating says 60a based on the 1500w input and 24v system at 100a but battery says per c-rating charge with 20a even with BMS plz explain

[@baladanladiabraham6734]

Can i connect 4× tubular batteries in parallel,2× inverter in parallel, and 2× same charge controller in parallel in it possible?

[@cleversolarpower]

Yes you can.

[@chadrickwhite146]

Question. So my batteries reached 0% then I wake up at 4am and check them they are at 35%(series connected 12v) is that even possible

[@jhonelpernito9570]

nice

[@SaeedSolution]

Nice❤ I have same problem my solar panel junction box over heat and burn wire I have one battery and 2 charging source 1st is 3 solar panel in parallel 2nd is ups connect I think this is the reason of burning wire of pv modules no breaker installed between pv and charge controler

[@cleversolarpower]

Yes always have a fuse or breaker installed on every wire. The fuse protects the wire from catching fire, that's it's first use.

[@roy196805]

I have a 30 amp m p p T controller

[@khg8519]

Its not so straight forward with controllers it may seem to be a great idea when the battery bank is full 10 volts is still flat the banks out put cap is directly related to its inductance or reactance you get switching issues huge inrush voltages due to the potential difference the long and short of the circuit the plane wing radiation

[@cleversolarpower]

I don't understand your text.

[@khg8519]

@@cleversolarpower your swinging the power back and forward if you have two controllers and the loads turn on and off

[@khg8519]

inverter

[@ntal5859]

I call bs on 0.2 c for lead acid, cars charge the battery at much higher rates and never a problem.

[@cleversolarpower]

The answer is in your reply. car batteries. they are not similar to AGM or GEL.

[@jamesdean7756]

It’s totally impossible to follow along with what you’re saying I even bought your book and found much of it to be just a waste of money a lot of overkill information not necessary for the average user to understand

[@cleversolarpower]

Thanks for getting my book James. If you have questions, feel free to email me.

[@busarob1969]

Guru like to do this to just show you how great they are! Useless at best

[@BrianFoster-j2l]

I see where you say a 20A controller can charge a 100A deep cycle lead battery, but I have a 6v deep cycle 225AH battery and my 100A controller won't work with it why? The pannel I am using is 590w /12v

[@cleversolarpower]

You need to have a 12V battery to use with a 12V charge controller. It won't work with a 6V battery.

[@BrianFoster-j2l]

@@cleversolarpower thank you very much for the clarification. would i be right in thinking that if I hook up booth 6v's together the 100A controller should charge both, what would be the best way to properly connect the 2 batteries together? forgive my illiteracy on this matter as it is my first time with solar systems. I bought another 100A controller as I don't think one controller can manage the 450AH when both batteries (225AH) combined as one

[@markrosinski4814]

Amps your controller can handle shold be bigger than amps from your solar panels. Your solar panels 590w div 12v =~50A. What it means is that your batteries will be charged with 50A maximum minus some losses . Your 100A controller will handle 50A with ease@@BrianFoster-j2l

[@adex2000ng]

@@BrianFoster-j2l connect the 2 batteries in series. That will increase the Voltage to 12v which is suitable for your Charge Controller

[@ihavehotmail2]

Connect both 6v in series to increase the voltage to 12v. But the amp hours will not increase even tho you have 2 100ah batteries when in series together they will only produce 100ah @12v

[@VladimirKharkob]

Thanks Great Video