Wiring two charge controllers in parallel

www.altestore....
NOTE THE SCHEMATIC IS WRONG, corrected version is here. • Wiring two charge cont... Have you ever wondered what you should do when the solar charge controller you have is already maxed out but you want to add more solar panels? We show you how using solar charge controllers in parallel easily solve this problem.

[@larryross896]

You might want to check your schematic… looks like your panels are improperly connected??? Not sure what's going to happen if you wire your panels like what is depicted in the schematic... I'm just saying!!!

[@AltEStore]

What funny timing. I just noticed that error this week after it being up there for almost a year. I had the same thought, not quite sure what it would do in that case. KZbin won't let me put a note on the video anymore to correct it, I'm working on adding a link to the corrected schematic, imgur.com/g3LHozV

[@adc9593]

Hi, For the schematic thank u for providing it does the baby box is the same with fuse box? Also please kindly label the charge controller whether the connections are for solar or battery. thank U

[@adc9593]

thanks Larry!!!!

[@adc9593]

????

[@cecilproctor4984]

Larry Ross Good call wasn’t paying attention to the diagram until u pointed it out.

[@marinetechonline3310]

Hi, my name Stephen Welsh, I'm a certified marine technician and I will like to give you a bit of advice regarding the above video and connecting charge controllers in parallel. If you run out of capacity on a charge controller the best thing to do is obtain a charge controller with higher amperage that can carry all the panels at once, it's called a charge controller/regulator because its sole job is to regulate the Voltage and Amps so you will not over charge and destroy your battery in that case. Here's what actually happens when two or more controllers are used in parallel, lets call them controller A and controller B. Both controllers will start charging in full capacity (bulk) as seen in your video above, but when the volts get up to the set bulk charging voltage let's say 14.2 or whatever you have it set at, controller A will see the battery voltage at 14.2 and thinks that the battery is getting full. Therefore, it will quickly go into absorption and then into float prematurely, while controller B struggles for the rest of the day trying to do all the work and thats because controller A thats in float putting out little or no amps thinking the battery is full and take the rest of the day off. If you're running a system smiler to this, two 50 charge controllers feeding the same battery bank with 30 amps each from separate panels (total 60 amps). If you are running that kind of set up please monitor your system read out and you will see one charge controller working three time harder than the other, a easy way to tell is one always hotter than the other. The only way you can put two or more charge controller in parallel without having the problem I described, is by using charge controllers that could link with each other like master and slave. Its best to put all your panels on one charge controller. If you thinking of adding panels in the future, buy a charge controller that allow you to do that in the future, hope this helps.

[@norbertrivera]

Great .,Did you know a brand or model that do this? i'm planning to add more panels to my system and need an extra MPPT .

[@jokagimenez4702]

Just one thing to say : thank you sir!

[@ek9772]

Marine Tech Online I am actually trying to deal with a similar problem. I am in the design stage where I am adding several solar controllers, and in addition, I am adding wind and hydro controllers to the main common DC bus bar. However, the controllers for wind and hydro come with these devices. Therefore, I am wondering if I should feed their output to a slave device in order to avoid having a different voltage in the bus bar. Interestingly, this is for a marine application.

[@ZenInnovations]

Wow thanks.

[@BenCos2018]

@@ek9772 It should be fine as long as they are all set to the same battery profile tbh

[@davidjames1684]

Generally speaking, this is a bad thing to do. Chargers do NOT like to see other chargers on the same setup, because it can "confuse" them. For example, if a single charger stops charging briefly to check the battery voltage to get an idea where it is in its charge curve, and there is another charger doing the same, then perhaps the first charger will see the boosted voltage of the 2nd charger and think the battery is in a higher state of charge, and rolloff the charge power some. What would be better (and a setup I am very fond of), is having 2 charge controllers each wired only to one of two 12V batteries in series. That is, the battery bank is 24V and so is the input requirement of the inverter, but each of the 2 batteries wired in series has its own 12V charge controller so it gets a more "tailored" charge. That way if one of the 2 batteries is run down a little more, the charge controller will "see" that and charge it longer than the other battery that was more topped off to begin with.

[@mkc9525]

I have the same question that you do, and no one addresses it. I had exactly the problem you described with a charge controller getting "confused" and then failing to charge at all.

[@davidjames1684]

Lots of people take liberties they shouldn't here on KZbin which shows me they don't have a clue what they are doing. Putting a separate charge controller on each battery is better than putting 2 chargers on 2 batteries in parallel. I like to watch videos on KZbin to see all the dumb stuff many people do. It is free entertainment.

[@tinyhouseonwheelsireland]

@@davidjames1684 In my case, I have a 12v battery bank, with four batteries, could I connect as you have done but with only a 12 volt system, one charge controller to one of the batteries and the other to tone of the other batteries? Another question I have is, if I change to a 24v battery setup like yours, can 12v stuff still run, if I just connect to the positive and negative of just one of the batteries in the bank?

[@davidjames1684]

I don't understand your question. What batteries do you have and how are they connected? What charge controllers do you have and how are they connected? Yes if you have a 24V setup you can "tap" just 12V from it. This is how many headlights on golf carts work. It may be 36V or 48V total to run the motor, but the headlights only tap 12V of that.

[@tinyhouseonwheelsireland]

@@davidjames1684 Thanks for the response, I have two(just bought the second and will be wiring at the weekend) epever 4210an charge controllers, 4 (soon to be eight) Banner energy bull FLA 230ah batteries wired in star formation wired in parallel , all cables of equal length, I have 5 100w panel and 4 290w panels(just bought the 4 290w panels, hence the new controller) thats great new about tapping 12v off the batteries, given that tapping information I will consider wiring the batteries in series to make the bank 24v.

[@EpicAdvanture]

I like this lady. Always very happy and very informative.

[@kokopelli314]

The controller inputs from separate PV banks must be kept isolated.

[@beebacheeba]

Looks like you have the positive (or negative - your choice) swapped coming from the panels into the charge controllers. Switch one or the other and you'll have the panels isolated down to the controller they belong to. In your schematic they're mixed up.

[@jamalAli34]

Also I think that they should have the same configuration like boost and float voltage if possible.

[@AltEStore]

Excellent point, I should have said that. If the charge controllers are configurable, having the voltages match improves the performance, where one isn't turning off earlier than the other. If they are not configurable, having both charge controllers the same model, or at least the same default settings is best.

[@MrSmiLe-ur5xu]

Thanks for sharing mam.. i watching from Philippines 😊😊

[@ZenInnovations]

What happens if the panels array is common among both charge controllers? Panels in parallel. And only one set of wires coming from the roof? Will both charge controllers fight each offer?

[@ApataHitz]

Wow. Am happy I found this. You are d best.

[@fishycomics]

Amy: I have 1 Solar panel and I want to add a 2nd controller. o charge my 2nd project while the 1st Project is correctly hooked up the panel should handle it if not mistaken thank you any advice is appreciated.

[@frankbakker3684]

I have used 2 chargers , 1 60A and 1 45A, If i conbinethem then one will not charge, they are not because one is pulling up the power and the other one than thinks that the battery is full. I am using 2 PWM charger. In your example you are using 2 types.! This is for just a PWM situation not a correct way to charge.

[@oO_toOomy_Oo]

thank you so much for your great videos!!! may I ask is it ok to combine PWM and MPPT charge controllers in parallel ?

[@AltEStore]

As long as the charging voltage of both charge controllers is the same (or very close) you should be able to combine them. The concern is if one is set to charge at 13.7V, and the other is set to charge at 13.4V, the lower one may see the voltage coming from the higher one, and misinterpret as the battery being full, and turn off. If they are both set at the same voltage, there should be no confusion.

[@SaurabhDarole]

Pls make a video on this

[@gentildegentileza]

Hi, great videos lady! From Brazil were i stay dont have more informations (youtube) about solar charger controller acurance and confrontation about what is informed on manual and the true test over supervision by a certificated technician. By this way i am preparing a benchmark between three "low cost" devices. Best wish and accept my apologise because my english.

[@Shlerth]

[ Panel(12v)-----Panel(12v)-----Panel(12v) ] ----------->MPPT(max 20A, and connected to battery)---------->PWM(max 20A, usually inside the Inverter)-------->Battery and Load ________________&_&&_____________ __________________________________ Panels connected in series, connected to MPPT. Output from MPPT divided into 2. One goes to a battery which provides the voltage requirement for MPPT to work. The other output goes to the same battery via a PWM charge controller (max 20 A). Is such a circuit possible? Will the battery charge? Will the pwm part have current through it? PS : { Many inverters come with PWM. The aim is to introduce the more efficient MPPT to provide current ( especially on cloudy days), directly to inverter hence working on charge direct from panels (rather than drawing it from battery and inverting it, thus minimising battery cycling) }

[@velocitor3792]

I assume it's the same with adding a wind turbine with it's own charge controller, to an existing battery bank with solar charge controller. Or...?

[@RobertBeriault753]

I plan on charging a 36 v lithium batteries with three 100 watt panels facing in different directions (on a a trailer) and wired in parallel for 12v. Would I need three boost controllers for this and can three boost controllers be wired in parallel in the same way as two charge controllers?

[@AltEStore]

Great question. With the panels facing in different direction, they could all be outputting different voltages, so the lowest output would potentially pull the output of the higher ones down. By wiring each to their own charge controller, then wiring the 3 charge controllers in parallel, the charge controllers would all be outputting the same voltage, but different currents. With them being in parallel, that would work fine, none of the outputs would get pulled down. So ideally, 3 small charge controllers, like the Genasun GV-Boost for lithium would be ideal. One experiment you could try if you have the panels already is to pt them in place and measure the individual outputs and then temporarily wire them in parallel and measure the combined output. See if the difference is so extreme that it makes it worth the extra money. There is a chance that if they are all on the trailer roof, the difference isn't as great as if they were on different angles of a slanted roof. A single custom version of the GVB-8-Li may work well enough.

[@luissepulvedarivera]

I would like to see the diagram to connect three solar panels to three solar chargers.

[@ignacio41]

Why the negative of one panel goes to opposite controller? Can I do the same if one controller is PWM and the other is MPPT ? Thank you

[@AltEStore]

It's a mistake. NOTE THE SCHEMATIC IS WRONG, corrected schematic is here, imgur.com/g3LHozV

[@patriknikaj5290]

I have 3kw solar panel and I have 2 solar charger controller. I'm not sure if I can wiring two LOAD [Output] controller in the same INVERTER

[@AltEStore]

NEVER connect an inverter to the load connection of a charge controller. The load is designed for a small DC load, generally lights, to prevent the battery from drainign if they are accidentally left on. It is not designed to handle the current or the surge from an inverter.

[@telosfd]

This is means that when we are using two controllers the current of the surse going double. What in case we use three or for controllers the current increasing three or four times up!!!!! The only thing that happent is the one controller effective the other creating wrong mesurments. Is'n it or no? Thanks a lot.

[@Hopeforpeace]

your videos are always helpful thank you very much for sharing.

[@jussikankinen9409]

Good when panels are not same direction

[@MotivationExtraMotivacao]

Hello My question is: I have several panels connected to (1) a cable (positive and negative) I can connect more solar panels to the same cable and the end of the cable to do, branch before the controller and connect another controler charger? all panels will connect to the same cable and a branch and 2 controllers, I do not know if I can do this or if I put another cable for more panels (on the other controller) Your videos are very important for people like me who learned to do everything on youtube, regarding solar energy, 3 years ago that consumption the sun, almost became an addiction but healthy. Thank you. regards

[@AltEStore]

We're so happy to hear this channel is helpful. With very few exceptions, if you are using multiple charge controller, the solar panels that are being managed by each charge controller have to be connected to that charge controller. So you have to bring separate wire pair to each charge controller. Here is a schematic of two different solar arrays going to two different charge controllers. Then the output of the two charge controllers are connected to he same battery bank. www.altestore.com/static/datafiles/Others/7%20strings%20of%203_Radian_2_CC.pdf

[@rowifi]

The problem here is that any electronic device that monitors its own output cannot safely be connected to anything that interferes with it .. like a second controller. Are you an electronics engineer.?.. probably not. Both controllers need to be linked someway so they understand how to correctly share the power.

[@herkko61]

That's my opinion too. Another controller is charging with high voltage when the first one try to measure battery level to see is it already near full charge. It'll see only the charging voltage of the another controller.

[@ManWander]

what if... you have one panel and two batteries, one being deep cycle, and want to use two charge controllers...?

[@AltEStore]

A better solution is to use a charge controller intended to charge 2 separate battery banks, like the MorningStar Duo, www.altestore.com/store/charge-controllers/solar-charge-controllers/pwm-solar-charge-controllers/morningstar-charge-controllers-pwm/morningstar-ssd-25rm-sunsaver-duo-25a-dual-battery-charger-with-meter-12v-p5600/

[@kevinbuttry8135]

If you do use 2, it is best if they are the same (condition, model, capacity, etc.). Also, you have to know what the goal is. Wiring batteries in parallel, as this nice lady stated, will double your amp capacity. But will remain a 12V output system. Wiring in series makes your output 24V and thr capacity stays the same as listed on the batteries. (i.e. 600Ah)

[@freebirdflies]

Have a couple of questions first is there a limit to how many load controllers can be in parallel? Second is there a recommended model controller that communicates with each other? Your channel rocks...

[@AltEStore]

Thanks. The best option is to use charge controllers that do communicate to each other. Midnite Solar charge controllers, both the Classic and the Kid, do "Follow-me mode", where one is in charge and the rest do what it tells them. Schneider uses the Xanbus to communicate between their products. Outback communicates between their Hub. I'm sure other brands do as well. There is a limit to the number, each brand has its own limit, but it's pretty high in all cases.

[@user-rp2rt6pq6f]

The right answer for your question is you can add up to the same number of solar panels for example if you have 10 solar panels in parallel you can add same number of controllers, but if you have 3 in series And 3 in parallel you add 4 controllers means all the one in series can take only one, I am electric engineer if you need to ask questions and don't worry abut this lady because she doesn't understand it well

[@VaultBoi101]

What about if you have two solar charge controller and two different types battery bank say like 2×200amp gel batteries and 2x100 deep sealed lead battiers

[@AltEStore]

You should not put different types of batteries together in the same bank, as they charge differently from each other. In your case, I'd get another solar panel and run the 2 as different systems.

[@VaultBoi101]

@@AltEStore thanks for the reply I'm just trying to figure things out this my first time upgrading my solar system and I'm left with a inverter 2 lead acid batteries charge controller and they work still so it seem like a waste if I just got rid of them but I also like the idea of multiply solar systems that i would have to maintain but if that the only way to go I guess that would work but I have one last question if you don't mind so my inverter has an option for a.c. in and out via terminals the a.c. in helps charge the battery bank but only when needed would it be alright to get the same one and build a second solar system and connect the two inverters through this ports ?

[@markbtw7987]

Is it okay to bypass the breaker box? I have my original charge controller controller connected directly to my battery terminals with an inline fuse for the positive wire. Could I connect a second charge controller to the battery terminals in the same way? Assuming both charge controllers have over-charging protection.

[@AltEStore]

As long as you have the fuse for over current protection, you should be fine. It is nice to have a breaker instead as a DC disconnect, but for a small system, you may be fine. Just don't disconnect anything when the panels are in sunlight. Not that I did have a pretty major mistake in my schematic in the video, the correct one is here, imgur.com/g3LHozV

[@markjob6354]

Amy, I am not sure I understand why I would want to connect two solar controllers in parallel ???? There's not quite enough information in this video. Am I going to do this simply to increase the overall amps my system cam handle ?? Also, how, exactly, do I make the dual controller connections ?? Am I simply adding the additional output from my extra controller to my battery array, or do I require some kind of fancy interface box to accomplish this ???

[@AltEStore]

There's a few reasons why you would use more than one charge controller in a system. 1) If the charge controller you have is full, i.e. it is a 30A charge controller and you have 30A of solar panels on it, and you are adding more panels. Rather than replacing the controller you have, you can add a second one for the new panels. 2) You have very mismatched solar panels (like in our other videos). If you have a 200W panel, and are adding a 50W panel, the two can't share the same charge controller. A 2nd charge controller would be used for the new 50W panel. 3) You have panels facing different directions. If you have some panels on an east facing roof, that catches the morning sun, and some on the west roof that catches the afternoon sun, or variable shading, such as on a sail boat, you wouldn't want to have both arrays on the same charge controller, as the shaded panels would pull down the output of the unshaded panels. A separate charge controller for each array would maximize the output. To wire the outputs together, each charge controller output would go through its own breaker, and then ideally to a negative and positive bus bar in the DC breaker box. It doesn't have to be fancy, depending on the size of your system, we're using a Midnite Solar Big Baby Box in this demo.

[@pyronmasters]

Mark Job lets say you have two 250w panels but one 20amp charge controller, 12v x 20amps = 240w. Because of the controller's limit, one panel isn't doing anything. By using two 20a controllers to each panel each sends 240w to the battery = 480w. Hope this helps.

[@gerryvengco7861]

Thanks for the great information!

[@executie593]

Buy higher amps mppt instead of connecting two and making lots of confusing connections

[@AltEStore]

That is the best solution, but we get lots of calls from people expanding their system and want to save some money by buying one for just the new panels. Also, if the new panels aren't the same as the old ones, a new charge controller is preferred to manage them separately.

[@solardiymadesimple.3779]

I also added 3x270w panels again linked in series to the west facing roof to my pip 2424smx inverter/charge controller. Now the pip will only charge at 1amp because it thinks the batteries are fully charged when there not. Any help would be appreciated.

[@AltEStore]

We don't sell the PIP products, so I'm not very familiar with it. What you might be running into is if you have a separate Tracer charge controller charging the battery bank at around 28V, the PIP may be reading that as the battery bank voltage, and think it is full. If it is configurable, you may be able to raise the voltage level on the PIP to see a higher voltage as charging and not full. When using two different chargers, it is best to have them both set at the same voltage set points if possible.

[@tinashemakamure1577]

Hi! thank you for a good video. I just needed to find out if you can also connect MPPTs in series if perhaps your solar array iutputs 300V and 1 MPPT takes in 150V is it possible to connect the two in series so they can withstand the 300V?

[@AltEStore]

No it is not. If your solar string outputs 300V, you need a high voltage controller like the Outback Flexmax 100. www.altestore.com/store/charge-controllers/solar-charge-controllers/mppt-solar-charge-controllers/outback-flexmax-100-mppt-solar-charge-controller-afci-p41421/

[@ExilesGate]

You are awesome!❤️✨🙏

[@maidenheadonline]

Why do you need the DC Breaker Box? Was that just for the video demonstration?

[@AltEStore]

We recommend using a DC box of some kind in every system, even just to contain a PV-in breaker. This video shows the whole layout: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmi8iIOgrsiaiJY

[@nivek944]

I have a query. On my caravan wish list I would plan a Renogy 50amp Charger with MPPT regulator built in AND a 100 amp solar regulator wired to ONE battery bank of over 400 amps, and the query I have is can I wire the (identical) solar panels to a parallel BUSbar with a total Panel output of

[@Soildus]

What charge controllers can be connected together? Name or model please.

[@thesurvivalist.]

Would this work with a 319 volt 100 watt solar panel?

[@brandondietrich520]

So you wire both MPPTs into the bus bars and then to the batteries? I’m trying to see where they join together. I want to make sure this is how they are wired. As long as both MPPTs go to the two bus bars and then to the battery they should be good... correct?

[@engmahmoudsamy6970]

good but can I use different types of panels for example 100 w and 200 w for every charger second question can I use different types of charger?

[@AltEStore]

Yes, to both questions. This is the best way to use mismatched solar panels for your system, put them on their own charge controllers. If you do use different types of charge controllers, try to have the settings set the same, for instance the same float, absorb, and bulk voltages if possible.

[@RobertBeriault753]

I meant one 36 v battery, not the plural

[@Edgardocelectric007]

You've answered that nagging question that I've been asking myself and others, I am setting up a solar, first, but also adding wind and hydro in phases so I can equal or at least cover most of my daily energy needs. With any surplus going to hot water and heating in winter, my question is do I take the surplus straight from the battery bank or is there a charge controller that both communicate with each other and send excess to heating system?

[@AltEStore]

You would need a Diversion Load Controller, aka Dump Load Controller. It connects to the battery and monitors the voltage. If the volts are above a set level, it will turn on the connection between the battery and the heater, burning off any extra energy. Once the battery voltage drops to a lower level, it will turn off the connection to the heater. Take a look at some Dump Load Controllers here, www.altestore.com/store/charge-controllers/dump-loads-dump-load-controllers/diversion-dump-load-controllers-c1022/

[@ZubairKhan-vs8fe]

Hi. Please assist I have two strings into 2 outback inverters. The cables don't go into a busbar but are just clamped onto the poles of the battery bank. All works fine but i was wondering how the differing voltages and amperage from the two charge controllers get taken into the battery bank. One input voltage is in the 60v range and the other is in the 50v range. Do they conflict or compete. Does it shorten the battery life? Is there a backfeed in that the 60v line is pushing voltage up the 50v line. Should i be using a busbar. Thanks

[@ahmedosman519]

Thank you for Video, I have two question, When we we use two charge controllers as far as i know any off grid system have one charger controller and second how i know PSH(Peak sun hours ) or worst case (Sun Hours).

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

Awesome...great info as folks grow their systems and add more panels/controllers. Love the Midnite Solar Classic's "Follow Me" mode. Gave AltE a "shout-out" on my latest video on my Channel.

[@AltEStore]

Thanks for the shout out! Great video, I just shared it on our Facebook page. Also thanks for reminding me why I live in Massachusetts, it might get up to 70 today....

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

Your welcome! FedEx delivered the panels and they are now installed/operationally checked. Video tomorrow. Thanks for sharing/helping others with their RE projects! Great community.

[@andreansyah88]

Thank you for the knowledge

[@user-rp2rt6pq6f]

Circuit diagram is wrong, half of the controllers is in series connection other half the negative are in parallel which would cause cutt off current, hope you can correct it

[@AltEStore]

Corrected diagram is linked in the video description!

[@norbertrivera]

Thanks a lot for share . i have 2 different bank of solar panels (different wattage)will be possible to connect the bank to two MPPT ?

[@shaungrinsted9419]

Hi, have 2 solar panels and 2 controller units, can I just connect the live and neutrals to the battery from both solar controller units, so the battery gets charged of two solar panels thank you

[@AltEStore]

It will depend on the ratio of the solar panel Watts to the battery Watt-hours (Ah x V) capacity. Most batteries want to be fully charge in 3-5 hours of sun. That said, this setup would at least give them some charge.

[@shaungrinsted9419]

@@AltEStore thank you for the reply, I have a 160w solar panel that is now connected to the battery and the existing 40 w panel is just sat doing nothing because I have just isolated the cable ends as wasn’t sure if I could connect it to boost the charge, I know nothing about solar but I’m sure I have heard that if I connect the two together the smaller panel will cancel out the larger one 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@AltEStore]

That's true, quite a difference in size. So two charge controllers would balance things out!

[@bobbaisden1685]

Many years ago while cleaning up a battery for my car, I tried something that had me doing it for all low voltage connections. I consider any battery connections low voltage all the way up the scale. As well as the connections coming from panels and connections to anything else. I would not do this around any live connections. Take it outside. If there is any look of corrosion on any connector, not the wire because I cut that back if it is corroded, but use some steel wool preferably the thinnest you can find however, any will do. Scrub the corrosion off then wipe it off with acetone. Acetone takes off anything on metal. The connector, the screws, lock washers and nuts. Once I did that, I never had to re-clean the same connections again. Do this in another location before taking everything to connect at the live location. Electricity does strange things with pieces of steel wool flying around or most all liquids around hot connections. Be safe.

[@ionuttomescu7057]

Hello Amy I've got 2 groups of 100W solar panels (Sunpower and Dokio), each of them consisting of 2*2 PV, wired in series/parallel. I have 2 identical charge controles, and each group is wired to one of them. The battery bank is formed by 2*280Ah LiFePO4, wired in parallel. My question is: how do i wire each controller to the battery bank? Should i wire the + from each controler to the + of a single battery, and the minuses to the - of the other battery?

[@AltEStore]

When connecting to a paralleled battery bank, you should have the + of the charge controller and the inverter (if you have one) going through breakers and to the + of the first battery. Then all of the - go to the - of the last battery. This ensures the current flows fairly evenly through the whole battery bank.

[@Bacardibombillo]

What if one is Outback fm80 and other is Schneider 150 C60?

[@lynnbrooks9134]

Amy since positive and negative lines are tied to a bus bar could I also run lines to an grid tie inverter as well? This would give me a grid tie and off grid at the same time?

[@AltEStore]

You would need to use a hybrid grid tie battery back inverter that can connect to both a battery bank and the grid. You can find them here www.altestore.com/store/inverters/hybrid-inverters-c561/ . A straight grid tie inverter needs a higher voltage than most battery banks can deliver.

[@MyIronman8]

So it's 20amps on one and 20amps on other and together is 40 amps

[@n.r.2258]

Is there a way to route a panel cluster into two different controllers (1 mppt controller for charging the battery and another mppt controller charging the grid - from the same panel) ? These two controllers will use the same cluster output but if the batterie is fully loaded, the output comes available for the grid loader. Otherwise the panel output of the batterie is turned down and will be useless. Is that possible ?

[@AltEStore]

I'm not sure what you mean by "charging the grid". Do you mean selling back to the grid? The grid tied battery backup hybrid inverter does that. Once the batteries are charged by the solar charge controller, and all of the house needs are met, the inverter can sell excess back to the grid.

[@SotirisPiloridis]

We respect mem

[@SufiShahHamidJalali]

Dear AltE, how can we make sure that the current coming to two charge controllers are equally distributed between the two charge controllers. Isn't it possible that one charge controller take over all the current and burn out and then the remaining charge controller will take over all the current and burn out as well. Please, clarify this.

[@AltEStore]

Great question. Each charge controller will have their solar panels connected to its own input. So 1/2 of the panels are connected to charge controller 1 and 1/2 going to charge controller 2. So neither charge controller would get the input from the other panels. But it is important to have the voltage output of the two charge controllers set to the same value, so one isn't putting out a higher voltage than the other and thinking that the battery bank is full and shut off.

[@SufiShahHamidJalali]

Thanks altE for support.

[@dangowen5367]

Hi, what is the name of the components that the positive wires connect through between the dual controllers and the battery? Is it a voltage or amps isolator, circuit breaker post of certain amps or ceramic ballast posts that prevent energy from crossing over and back toward the lower charge controller? How can a person determine which voltage vs amperage isolator to buy based on a chart comparison of solar input vs battery and inverter inputs. Thank you.

[@AltEStore]

The output of each charge controller should go to its own breaker. The breaker is the rating of the charge controller times 1.25. For example, a 30A charge controller would have a 40A breaker. The outputs of the two breakers would generally go to a bus bar that combines the outputs and sends them to the battery.

[@nadeem5476]

are both solar Charge Controllers getting input from separate solar Panel?? plus one more question, you didn't mention in the video that what type of controllers are they? both are mppt? or one is mppt and other is PWM??

[@AltEStore]

You can see the schematic at 0:22, watch the video in full screen and pause it. Each panel is going to its own charge controller. Charge controller 1 is the Midnite Kid MPPT charge controller, and charge controller 2 is the Morningstar SunSaver Duo PWM. The Kid is outputting a little more current, but what I don't really show is that it is also using more power. The Kid uses about .25A, which is subtracted from the 3.24A it is actually putting out, which shows as 3.24A - .25A = 2.99A. The Duo barely uses any power to run, so you get to use all the power out. This is why a small system may not benefit so much from MPPT, since it uses more power than PWM. But a large system does benefit from MPPT, as the increased output is more than the increased use. We'll be making that video soon.

[@nadeem5476]

+altE thanks for the reply, I did watch the video at full screen of twenty Inches led screen of my Computer desktop but still Couldnt understand the circuit diagram showed in the video. can I just mix and attach the Both charge controller's output together directly on the battery terminals??

[@AltEStore]

The positive output of each charge controller goes to its own breaker, and the outputs of those breakers can be combined at a busbar, or at the battery, whichever is easier(probably easier in the breaker box, then only 1 wire has to go to each terminal. The negative outputs of the charge controller are likewise combined and sent to the battery. Here's a schematic by Midnite with 2 kids that might be easier, www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/KID_PAR_Wiring_REV_B.pdf

[@nadeem5476]

+altE now it's clear Thankyou so nice of you solar queen :)

[@mark_osborne]

How interesting.....

[@MyIronman8]

O wow that's confusing as hell.

[@GeorgeGardinier]

i do that and was wondering if it made sense, i think i have three doing this

[@bichitraxvst5777]

I had 6x330 panels and a 60amp charge controller. Just a week ago my charge controller stopped working. Due to pandamic 60 amp charge controller is not available anymore. So I'm thinking to buy two 30amp charge controller as they can handle 1000w each. 2 wires (+/-) from my 2000w panels are attached to 2 bush bars. Can I attach 2 charge controllers with this bush bars ? Or I've to devide 6 panels into two different incomings?

[@AltEStore]

The panels must be separated into the different controllers.

[@robertashton6249]

Question. Can one solar panel supply contry1 feeding rv batteries and a second controller feeding the vehicle starting battery

[@AltEStore]

Using the same panel with 2 controllers? No. But there are controllers that have a second output to charge a second battery, exactly as you stated. Like the Morningstar SunSaver Duo. www.altestore.com/store/charge-controllers/solar-charge-controllers/pwm-solar-charge-controllers/morningstar-ssd-25rm-sunsaver-duo-25a-dual-battery-charger-with-meter-12v-p5600/

[@GregoryBoysHomestead]

What brand and amperage charge controllers?

[@genysys1511]

hi are srne 60amp and srne 30amp both mppt can parallel also as long they both meet the requirements thanks

[@thefaeryman]

are all buss bars the same for atteching outputs from devices to the battery bank or are some better than others? like steel, aluminum, copper, brass or stainless steel? john

[@AltEStore]

Like most things these days, I'm sure there are some that are better quality than others. The ones we're using in the demo are from Midnite Solar and are tin plated aluminum. Some of their other busbars, like the finger busbars for combining the outputs of the breakers in their combiner boxes are tin plated copper.

[@pauls0416]

SANTA CLAUSE !?!???

[@corvanhoutum6913]

Hello Amy, I have try'd this with two sets of panels and two charge controllers these are mppt controllers. It seems that each mppt controller "looks" at the voltage of the batteries to go on max charge when one mppt charger boosts the voltage on the batteries then the second controller goes on float mode. it simply thinks that the batteries are full charged. this means that the second controller does not put out the amps that we expect. changing the order of connection makes the other controller go on float. so the first one connected does the job. I have solved this by charging in parallel on a series of batteries 4x 6 volt batteries are in series to get the 24 volts system voltage we charge 12 volt on the first two , and 12 volts on the second two batteries on each charge controller are two solar panels of 270 watts in series 60 cells this seems to work fine please comment Thanks Cor van Houtum Draaistroom Nederland

[@AltEStore]

The best way to use multiple charge controllers is to use the ones that can communicate to each other. For example, Midnite Solar has the "follow me" feature, when it goes into float mode, it tells the others to do the same. If your charge controllers don't have that feature, make sure they are all set at the same voltage setting for float, absorb, and bulk. Charging half of the battery bank with each charge controller does have the risk of unevenly charging the battery bank, and the higher charged batteries getting pulled down by the lower charged ones. Just keep an eye on it to see if they are getting equal charges.

[@engineer850]

is it MPPT charge controller or its PWM

[@AltEStore]

One of each.

[@jdstv1504]

its like the pv on the schematic are crossing charge controller 1 and 2. What is the correct connection did u do mam? did u wired the panel in parallel to the charge controller#1 and the other panel is in parallel to controller#2...

[@AltEStore]

It was recently discovered that the schematic is wrong. KZbin won't let me put notes on the video anymore to make corrections, so I have put a link to the correct schematic and pinned a comment to the top saying it is wrong. The correct schematic is here, imgur.com/g3LHozV

[@jameswilsin5348]

You want to take a 20amp charge controler and get 40amps you got to hook them up postive to negative and use one postive to battery and one negative to battery thats the only way your going to take two and make it like one you want to rase the amp you do it the same way you get 24 volts from two battetys postive to negative then you have 24 volts so charge controler postive to negative you got 40 amps useing two 20 amp charge controlers hook up in parallel want get that series will

[@areusure7551]

I have a question im not sure if you can help me or not. I want to wire 2 battery controllers to a 48v battery bank, one controller is going to be coming from my solar panels to charge the batteries, the second i want to run a golf cart battery charger which is plugged into mains/grid power into the second charge controller. I would only ever turn the golf cart charger on if the batteries dropped down quit low or on says where not enough solar is bring produced as a back up. Does/would this work?

[@AltEStore]

AreUSure Absolutely. Off grid people do this all the time with a generator. If you have grid available to top it off, even better.

[@darrenbenson2606]

Can you use 2 charge controllers on 1 solar panel at the same time? And can you connect 2 inverters off of a battery bank?

[@AltEStore]

You cannot use 2 charge controllers on 1 solar panel. Depending on the inverter, if it is designed to be stacked, where it synchronizes the AC outputs, you can connect them to the same battery bank. Unless they are just small inverters that you simply plug the AC appliance into the plugs on the inverter, and the 2 AC signals will never interact, that is allowed as well.

[@PVflying]

altE Store hi, what is the reason you cannot parallel connect one solar panel to two PWM controllers? I understand why it would not work work mppt controllers, but don’t see the reason why you’ve ruled it out in a blanket statement, as PWM controllers could surely use a single panel as input to charge two different batteries?

[@EjitEnergy]

Hi Amy, I have a 260 W panel and 20 A mppt controller, I have a 12v system. My batteries are about 4.5 feet away from the controller, what wire gauge should I use to connect the batteries to the controller? Thanks.

[@AltEStore]

We did a video on code compliant wire sizing here, kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmrYaYWVlrp5hZY . But with 20A such a short distance, 10AWG is most likely plenty.

[@EjitEnergy]

+altE thanks. I used 10awg, I noticed a 0.2 V difference between the controller and my multi-meter when I check the voltage with it on the batteries terminals. Should I be worried? 🙁

[@amyrbeaudet]

You want to have 2% or less of voltage drop. .2V is right around there. Make sure the wires are connected well, you should be fine.

[@chiuzoewulu4363]

I have two identical 300Watt 48volt turbines that I want to connect together electrically so I don't have to use/buy two charge controllers. Can a single charge controller can handle the combined current?

[@AltEStore]

You cannot use a solar charge controller for a wind turbine. Look into dump or diversion load controllers, that may be what you need.

[@chiuzoewulu4363]

@@AltEStore What i mean is if you can connect two wind turbines in series or parallel in order t have a single wind charge controller.

[@chiuzoewulu4363]

@@AltEStore hi, thanks, i have seen what i want in one of your videos kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHPFh3yfhKeoipY

[@solardiymadesimple.3779]

I have a question for you if you can help me out please. I have 3x270w panels connected in series on my south facing roof going to a tracer 40amp mppt charge controller, charging my 24v battery bank.

[@herkko61]

You have to await 7 more years to get an answer. She's busy now.

[@ruralsunpower]

Good

[@offgridlife8448]

thanks

[@weisler808]

Hello there. I have a same scenario but instead of one bank. Im planning to have 12V bank and a 24V bank... is it possible? Thank you.

[@AltEStore]

I don't know of any way to share an array between 2 voltages. You would need to have 2 separate systems.

[@weisler808]

altE Store thank you

[@lawrencedeans1433]

In this setup which charge controller would you connect your load to.

[@AltEStore]

In this setup an inverter would probably be used to run loads. If you have load connections on either charge controller, then you could also use those to power DC loads.

[@lawrencedeans1433]

@@AltEStore thanks I dont have an inverter just need DC for phone and small device charging. I assume you mean I could run a load off each charge controller. Or would it be more efficient to run a load off just 1 charger

[@AltEStore]

@@lawrencedeans1433 Yep, not all charge controllers have a Load function but if they do you could use that. Otherwise, you could use a DC-DC device like the Victron BatteryProtect which will disconnect DC loads before they harm the battery: www.altestore.com/store/deep-cycle-batteries/battery-maintenance-tools/victron-energy-smart-battery-protects-p41556/#VICSMBATPROT65A

[@nazirkhan928]

So sweet

[@greggmgm7210]

I cant seem to do this with renolgy tracer mppt at all I called tech support they said it will not work with renolgy ,one controller always turns off is there a way to do this some how with diodes maybe thanks

[@AltEStore]

Some charge controllers manage the 2 controller situation better than others. It works best with charge controllers that communicate with each other. The problem you are seeing is if one charge controller starts charging before the other one does, the 2nd one sees the high voltage from the 1st, and assumes the battery bank is full. I don't see diodes helping, as that really only prevents current from flowing the wrong way if one source has a lower voltage than the other. That's not your problem.

[@herkko61]

@@AltEStore In your system controllers do not communicate. How often a controller checks the level of a battery? How can both controllers in your video work simultaneously when the check voltage is wrong (charging voltage of another controller, not the real level of the battery) ?

[@23ajel]

hi amy, im jun from the phlippines and i have a question. for example in our house, the total watts of our electric consumption at the same time is 680 watts, (13 LED bulbs, few cellphone chargers, 1 led tv, laptop, 2 elec. fan) my question is, my 680 watts consumption, can i used a 4 pieces of 200 watts solar panel, and 4 pieces of 200ah lead acid type of battery, together with charge controller and inverter. thank you in advance and i hope you can find time to answer my question.

[@AltEStore]

We need to know how many watt hours you use, not just instantaneous watts. How many hours are the items on? 680W for how long? For example, 680W x 4 hours = 2720 watt hours (Wh). The 800W of solar in your area would produce about 2400Wh a day, just under what my example uses. What voltage are the batteries? 12V or 6V? If 12V, that's 12V x 200Ah = 2400Wh x 4 = 9600Wh capacity. You never want to use more than 50%, so 4800Wh storage available. If you need to plan for 2 days without sun, that's 2400Wh a day, so it can store 2 days worth of what you make with the 800W of solar.

[@23ajel]

refrigerator 80 watts x 24hr=1920 watts led tv 50 watts x 12hr= 600 watts fan 70 wattsx 3units x 15hr=3150 watts cellphone charger 4.5 watts x4 units x 3hr=54 watts led bulb 9 watts x 7 units x 6hr=378 watts led bulb 3 watts x 2 units x 8hr=48 watts 6150 watts in a day.

[@AltEStore]

6150 watt *hours* a day. 6150Wh / 5 sun hours / .6 losses = 2000W of solar needed. 6150Wh / .92 inverter efficiencies / .5 Depth of Discharge x 3 days without sun / 48V battery bank = 835Ah 48V battery bank.

[@23ajel]

it means i need 10 pcs of 200w of solar panel and 5 pcs of 200ah battery?

[@AltEStore]

You have to be aware of how to wire the solar panels and batteries in series and parallel to achieve the right voltages. 200W and 200Ah may not be the right size equipment for you. Four 250W panels may be easier to wire into 2 parallel strings of 2 in series, or 1 string of 4 (depending on if it is a 20V or 24V panel). Same with batteries. You cannot build a 48V battery bank with 10 batteries. If they are 12V batteries, you could do 2 parallel strings of four 250Ah batteries in series.

[@RayCasey2010]

Geeks rule!

[@markivanarididon862]

Would it be possible also to combine different rating batteries?

[@AltEStore]

You want to always make sure that the batteries are the same as each other. Different sizes will result in uneven charging and discharging, which will kill your batteries. Picture trying to fill two different size glasses with the same flow of water. Either the smaller one will be overflowing to fill the bigger one, or the bigger one will not fill trying to prevent the smaller one from overflowing.

[@markivanarididon862]

Thank you so much. That info is a great help...

[@iViET619]

May I ask what type of DC breaker box you are using and where I can purchase one?

[@AltEStore]

It is a Midnite Solar Big Baby Box. www.altestore.com/store/enclosures-electrical-safety/electrical-enclosures/disconnectload-enclosures/ac-andor-dc/midnite-solar-big-baby-box-for-ac-or-dc-breakers-p7475/

[@iViET619]

Could you provide links to the DC breakers you used on the inside of the box? Also, is there a way to produce two outputs out of the breaker box?

[@AltEStore]

www.altestore.com/store/enclosures-electrical-safety/overcurrent-devices-fuses-breakers/din-rail-circuit-breakers/midnite-solar-15-amp-din-rail-mount-breaker-150v-dc-p5805/ If you just come out of the breaker and don't go to the bus bar, you can have multiple outputs.

[@thechancellor3715]

altE Thanks for the informative video and, for me the hidden easter egg of the Midnite Sun Baby Box, a very affordable item for my small scale solar install. Didn't even know such items existed making a search difficult. If one can't name the thing looked for the road gets rocky.

[@misaelruiz8362]

hi what is the name of the box were all the wires are connected to? do you sale it?

[@AltEStore]

That is the Midnite Solar Big Baby Box. It's a terrrific general purpose AC or DC breaker box. You can see it here, www.altestore.com/store/enclosures-electrical-safety/electrical-enclosures/disconnectload-enclosures/ac-andor-dc/midnite-solar-big-baby-box-for-ac-or-dc-breakers-p7475/

[@JhourladEstrella]

This is a demo, not a tutorial.

[@koningbolo4700]

Is it possible to even do 3 or 4 of them this way ??

[@AltEStore]

Yes you can. It is highly recommended you use controllers that communicate with each other so they don't get confused. Most quality MPPT controllers have communication.

[@koningbolo4700]

@@AltEStore Thank you for the swift answer, can this parallel daisy chaining be done with identical PWM controllers also ??

[@monckeywrench4823]

hi,, does this means the more charge controllers the bigger the amps? pls help me with this ..ty

[@AltEStore]

Each charge controller can manage a certain amount of amps. For example, a 30A charge controller can handle 30A. For a 12V battery bank, that is 12V x 30A = 360 watts of solar panels. If you need to manage more than that, you can either get a bigger charge controller, or get a second one to handle the other solar panels.

[@monckeywrench4823]

Aw thats a very helpful tip,,i think that's one reason why my charge controller (30amps) cannot handle a 12v, 700 watts panel? it heats up very quickly. thanks for your reply altE..

[@AltEStore]

That'll do it. Get another 30A charge controller, and enjoy double your power.

[@lutherbertsomera2074]

@@AltEStore How bout 2 MPPTs with 10A 600w max input connected on a 3 x 360w in parallel with 42v vmp and 9.1A(about 27A...)? Will each get half voltages? Current? Watts?

[@wilbertchambers8325]

Can this same thing be done in series?

[@AltEStore]

No. The charge controllers must be wired in parallel.

[@wilbertchambers8325]

altE ok follow up question if the panels are in series can you have two charge controllers in series?

[@AltEStore]

Here is a schematic of how multiple charge controllers have to be connected to the same battery bank. i.imgur.com/g3LHozV.jpg If the panels are in series going into the charge controller, it makes no difference, the charge controllers have to be wired in parallel.

[@eusebiomamacjr.3025]

recipe for disaster

[@theoneandonlyskilla]

Hi, math. 3.04 +2.78 = 5.82

[@karlInSanDiego]

It was fluctuating realtime due to the dynamic nature of solar production, if you watch the meters. Her point that they were both contributing the same voltage that they did separately is validated by what she showed.

[@jokagimenez4702]

I'm sorry... but what's your background? I'm starting to get terrified to see people thinking they've had a brilliant idea, and making a youtube video to share it with the world. But in your case it's worse, as this seems to be your job, "solar queen" was it?? Please, have a look at the comment from "marine tech online" who gives an absolutely professional explanation on why this would be a bad idea. In my words, I'd sum it up by : 1. What controllers, PMW or MPPT? As far as my (noob) knowledge goes, MPPT monitors the output voltage and adapt it. If you connect them in parallel, influencing each other's readings, not too sure what would happen. But considering the spirit of this video, amateur installation and cheap corners cutting practice, I'd guess it's probably the cheapest PMW. So, 2. As mentionned by Marine tech online in his comment, all controlers have a bulk, absorbtion and float mode. Reading a high current output coming from the other controller will place one in absorbsion or float mode, letting the othrr one doind 95% of the job. Sorry for being so rude, but it's really exhausting to waste hours scrolling through the many similar videos of so called professionnals telling you with confidence it will work, be safe and improve your life, where it will only be a huge waste of time and energy! Because yes, you're far from being the only one. So I would kindly invite you to question your knowledge and conclusions, to verify with colleagues and specialists your theories and to make sure they're valid, before you decide ti make a youtube video that promotes wrong informations. I have absolutely no doubts you are a skilled professional, but sometimes being too comfident in your knowledge leads to a situation like this.

[@AltEStore]

My background is as a former electrical engineer. I've been designing solar systems for 12 years. For this demo, I showed 1 of each, an MPPT and a PWM. I believe I said in the video that is works best if they are the same model charge controller, set at the same charge profile, even better if they communicate with each other to coordinate float. But this method works better than someone trying to either put too much solar into too small of a charge controller, or putting 2 wildly different sized solar panels into the same charge controller. We encounter people trying to do both daily, which is why we showed this as a better way to go. The ideal solution isn't always an option for people, so we try to show what will work better.

[@hafunland894]

@@AltEStore Thank you Amy i have been helped by you more than once and appreciate your expertise!

[@davidjames1684]

Bad "advice" people. DON'T do this. Just because it briefly appears the charge amps are additive is not proof it "works well". What will happen when the battery bank approaches nearly full? Will it taper off correctly? I don't see this being tested here. A MUCH better solution is to just divide up your battery bank so that one charge controller sees half of that battery bank and the other charge controller sees the other half. For example, if I had a 12V system with a single charge controller and I maxxed it out with the maximum number of solar panels but I then wanted to double my solar power, I would double my number of solar panels, get another 12V controller, and convert my system to 24V, but have each 12V controller charge only one 12V subbank each. Usually when you expand a system (in this example doubling the power), it is better to increase voltage rather than leave it at 12V, however, there are exceptions such as if you insist on keeping it at 12V so if you get many cloudy days in a row, you can use a running (idling) car to charge your battery bank. I can get 70A of charge current this way using very little gasoline. What this woman is describing here may work with some charge controllers but most are NOT designed to work that way. That is similarly as bad as putting 2 regular battery chargers on the same battery at once. Some can handle it, some will not. In general you should NOT do this. However in a 24V series setup, many chargers will allow you to charger each 12V battery using a separate charger without having to first break the series connection between the 2 batteries.

[@ignacio41]

I just found the schematic is wrong, you should make a video about it. It looks you're only concern with selling products. Very disappointed!

[@AltEStore]

We noticed it a while ago and put a big note in the description and pinned a comment, KZbin won't let me correct it in the video, and I haven't had a chance to redo yet. HEre is the note. NOTE THE SCHEMATIC IS WRONG, corrected schematic is here, imgur.com/g3LHozV