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--- 12v:sg_troubleshooting [2024/12/14 16:13]
frater_secessus [maxxing out the solar input] link to new b2b section
+++ 12v:sg_troubleshooting [2025/06/24 19:47] (current)
frater_secessus [must I use the PS brand's proprietary solar panels?]
@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 ===== must I use the PS brand's proprietary solar panels? =====
-No, you can use any panel that meets spec.  Consult the power station's [[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator#solar_charging_limits|solar ("PV") input specs]] and buy panel[s] whose [[electrical:solar:panels#specifications|output specs]] are within the the stated limits of the PS' internal [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|solar charge controller]].  For the purposes of this section we will use these actual specs for reference:
+No, you can use any panel that meets the PS' requirements.  Consult the power station's [[lifestyle:faq_solar_generator#solar_charging_limits|solar ("PV") input specs]] and buy panel[s] whose [[electrical:solar:panels#specifications|output specs]] are within the PS' limits.  This will ensure that the PS' internal [[electrical:solar:charge_controller|solar charge controller]] is not damaged by overvoltage.  For the purposes of this section we will use these actual input specs for reference:
 ''12v-45v, 10A''
@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
   * panel((or panel string, if wired in series)) Vmp must be ≥12.0v
   * panel Voc must be ≤45.0v
-  * the controller will allow ≤10A of input current((although the inner workings of PS are often undocumented, //generally speaking// MPPT controllers will [[electrical:solar:status#in_absorption|drive Vpanel > Vmp toward Voc to limit current]] to a particular spec))
+  * the controller will allow ≤10A of input current.((Standalone solar charge controllers typically are rated on output rather than input)).  The panels could theoretically present >10A to the controller but an [[electrical:solar:overpaneling#how_mppt_controllers_clip_power|MPPT controller will "clamp" the incoming current]] at 10A.((see the documentation for specifics))
 Sometimes the spec will also state the voltage range where the panels can be run at maximum power:
@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
   * 40Vmp x 10A = 400w
+So a general rule of thumb to get the most power out of panel + SG combo is to select panels that will (by themselves or when arranged in series) have a Voc toward((not //at//)) the upper end of the PS' input limit.  This will place the Vmp as high up in the input voltage range as practical without going over.
-Sometimes no current limit is stated and we have to back into it.  In our case the 500w will be attainable at at 45v, suggesting the current limit is 11.11A (500w / 45v).  Remember the panel's Voc cannot exceed 45v so we cannot really run a 45Vmp panel.((Voc is always > Vmp, typically by ~20%))
 ==== can I overpanel my power station? ====
@@ Line 59: / Line 57: @@
 ===== the DC outlets don't have enough power to run my DC loads =====
-There is no easy/cheap way around this.  Buy a PS that has sufficient specs to meet your needs.
+There is no elegant or power-efficient way around this.  Best to spec and buy a PS that has sufficient specs to meet your needs.
+But **if you already own the PS** you could run [[https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Regulated-Switching-Transformers-Surveillance/dp/B07J6SBJ5L|a 12v power supply]]((example, not necessarily a recommendation)) off the AC output to power the hungry DC load. ([[https://pastebin.com/raw/NEUKRixD|diagram]]) \\
+For loads that only exceed 10A on startup (looking at you, [[hvac:heating#diesel_ventilated_heaters|diesel heaters]]) you could put the power supply on a timer. ([[https://pastebin.com/raw/nqqmrt6Z|diagram]])
 ===== my PS doesn't charge well from the 12v ciggy port =====

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