Classic 150 - Maximum PV Array Input Current / Minimum Voltage

[david3]

I'm trying to figure out how many solar panels a Classic 150 charge controller could handle.  Do you know the maximum PV array input current that it can handle, and also the minimum voltage?  I looked through the manual, but can't find it in the specs.  Thanks.

[Westbranch]

Don't quite know why you are after minimum Voltage , as it is determined by the battery bank, ie a '12v' bank needs a minimum of ~ = 17 volts, 24v needs ~= 34 v and so on. to charge properly.  Classic 150 is 150 V max (plus safety margin of battery bank voltage eg 12v = 162v)

You also need to check out the Midnite Classic Setup Simulator to assess the panel array configurations you can use

Should be here:
http://www.midnitesolar.com/classic/classicCP.php

[david3]

I'm searching for the Minimum PV Array input voltage, as it seems the lower the input voltage the more current the charge controller can output.  For example, can it handle a pair of ~30V panels in series (60V)?

That, combined with the maximum PV array input current would help me figure out how many of different types of solar panels it could handle.

[Halfcrazy]

David that question can not be answered without another question? What battery voltage are you trying to charge and how hot does it get there in the summer?

[david3]

I'd be trying to charge a 48V battery bank, and the average high temperature would be around 95° F, though it may spike to 100-105° F some days.

I've been trying different settings in the Midnite Classic Setup Simulator that Westbranch posted a link for (thanks).  I can tell it would be difficult to get a single charge controller to handle 5000 watts of panels, so I'll probably end up needing two charge controllers.

[niel]

halfcrazy,
you may be confused by his average temp, but it is real. as i recall he posted on naws and he is in the philippines.

david3,
there is no doubt you would need 2 classics just by the power you suggest running. this may be for the best as taking one controller to the limit in a hot climate could degrade the life of the controller.

[david3]

Thanks.  Yes, I'm in the Philippines.  It's not that hot all year round, but for part of the year it is.

[Westbranch]

Now  we are getting there, 48 V, 5000 W PV, 2 controllers.

Do you have panels picked out or are you still researching that too? If you know what they are that is valuable info for configuration etc...

What is the intended use for all that power?  Domestic , commercial??

[david3]

I'm still searching for a good deal on a pallet of solar panels.  It's for my home.