Running both a Classic 150 and Kid...anyone doing this?

[Jacotenente]

Getting a killer deal on some 435 watt panels (three panels...parallel since the VOC for one panel is 72 volts) and will run them on the Classic 150.

The Kid will have twelve 100w panels (series-series-parallel). I used the Midnite Classic Kid Sizing Chart and it said I am "Marginal" and would need "1.4 Kids". However, I have seriously bad mounting angles and shade issues. So, not thinking that will be an issue.

Separate PV feeder lines of course...not going to jack around with trying to mix/match different sized panels/manufacturers.

Battery bank is 24v.

Your thoughts?

ChrisSolarPowerMakerOklahoma

[TomW]

Well, I was running 3X Classic 150's and a Kid. Worked fine.

2X Classic 150's on separate solar 1.5 KW and 520 watt arrays.

1X Kid on separate 300 watt array.

1X Classic 150 on a 10 foot dual rotor Otherpower turbine.

All feeding one 24 volt battery bank.

Just what I was doing before we relocated.

Tom

[Jacotenente]

Wow...that is a lot. How about the "Master" and "Slave" ethernet ports on the Kid hooking into the Classic? Do I need to do anything with that?

Also.

The electrician came and we hooked up my Reliance Controls Pro/Tran 6-circuit transfer switch. Works great.

Chris

[TomW]

My Classics were connected via phone cable and set for "Follow Me" the Kid is not connected to The Classics. The Classics were all on the network via ethernet but that is not used in "Follow Me".

In the "Follow Me" configuration via the phone cables there is no Master whichever Classic hits the set point(s) tells the others but they all work cooperatively. Why it is important they are all calibrated via the tweaks menu for battery and input voltages.


At least that is my understanding.

Tom

[Jacotenente]

Alright thanks. Are/were they calibrated equally? I mean, matching Absorb and Float voltages/time? I am just looking for guidance on wiring up the Classic 150 and Kid together on my 24v battery bank.

BTW.

I just scored a helluva deal on three Sunpower E20/435 watt (German designed) solar panels.  34 cents / watt. Going to do some testing tomorrow.

Chris

[TomW]

Alright thanks. Are/were they calibrated equally? I mean, matching Absorb and Float voltages/time? I am just looking for guidance on wiring up the Classic 150 and Kid together on my 24v battery bank.

Indeed there were. All calibrated to match each other and my meter.

All were set for the same trigger voltages and parameters for float, absorb and EQ.

That is the only way it will work correctly in my experience.

[Jacotenente]

Awesome...great info. Thanks.