Solar Charge System Advice

[8balladdict]

Hi all,

Quick questions. I have an CTEK D250SA which as I understand it, has a MTTP regulator built in to its solar input.

If I want to install a 160W solar panel, do I need a separate solar controller?

And if not, is there some way of monitoring the solar panel to check the output, temperature etc of the panel.

Cheers all.

 

[VanDamMan]

Hi all,

Quick questions. I have an CTEK D250SA which as I understand it, has a MTTP regulator built in to its solar input.

If I want to install a 160W solar panel, do I need a separate solar controller?

And if not, is there some way of monitoring the solar panel to check the output, temperature etc of the panel.

Cheers all.

Hi @8balladdict …. I’ve the same Ctek….we ran the cables from the Ctek to bonnet area with an Anderson plug …and simply connect the solar ( that’s if it’s mobile ) …Or if vehicle based run the the cables for a permanent connection
You don’t need a separate regulator ..

we fitted a Victron battery stunt that gives you input data ( but not temp )

SmartShunt - Victron Energy

The SmartShunt is an all-in-one battery monitor, only without a display. Your phone acts as the display. The SmartShunt connects via Bluetooth to the...

www.victronenergy.com

 

[Dellmassive]

On the solar spec, you need to check the VOC of the 160w panel.

The ctek has a max solar input of 23v.

If the VOC of the panel is higher you need to use a seperate solar controller.


...

[Guide] Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -

Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It - There is loads of background to this . . . . . but for now here is a vid for you all. =] Just remember W = V*A and as a general rule a good 100W panel will give you up to 6A charge with good sun. 25w = 1.5A 50W = 3A 100w = 6A 200w = 12A 300w = 18A...

www.t6forum.com

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[Guide] DC-DC Charger (for leisure battery) -- How I Done It --

Thanks Lee. Or should I say Mr. Renogy! Been looking at your threads so will work out how to do it all now. Thanks bud.

www.t6forum.com

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[8balladdict]

Thanks for the info. This is the spec of my solar panel….

Solar panel specifications:
Peak power: 160W
Maximum power voltage: 20.2V
Maximum power current: 7.92A
Open circuit voltage: 23.9V
Short circuit current: 8.40A
Power allowance range: +/- 5%
Solar Panel Dimensions: 1380 x 665 x 4 mm
Weight: 5.75 kg

Is it the max power voltage or the open circuit voltage that I need to look at?

 

[Dellmassive]

VOC. Is voltage open circuit.

That panel is: Open circuit voltage: 23.9V

So overpowered for the ctek d250,

Easy fix though, just run a separate mppt controller alongside the ctek.

 

[8balladdict]

VOC. Is voltage open circuit.

That panel is: Open circuit voltage: 23.9V

So overpowered for the ctek d250,

Easy fix though, just run a separate mppt controller alongside the ctek.

Thanks for your help @Dellmassive.

Just two other questions…. If I connect in a Victron SmartSolar, should I connect the output of that straight to the leisure battery or still through the ctek?

And is the Victron 75/15 MTTP the right size to go for given the panel I have?

 

[Salty Spuds]

Thanks for your help @Dellmassive.

Just two other questions…. If I connect in a Victron SmartSolar, should I connect the output of that straight to the leisure battery.

And is the Victron 75/15 MTTP the right size to go for given the panel I have?

1,yes
2,yes

 

[Dellmassive]

What he said.

Direct to the battery.

And remember to fuse all battery connections.

 

[8balladdict]

What he said.

Direct to the battery.

And remember to fuse all battery connections.

So you suggest fusing between the Victron MTTP and the battery? What size fuse....25A?

 

[Dellmassive]

Definitely.

Right next to the battery.

Follow the install guide, decent gauge cable and fuse.

The max power from that panel is around 10A so I'd go around a 15A fuse. (Assuming your not using the load output on the mppt)

 

[T6Jay]

Others have posted the best solution - a new mppt charger

If you want a cheap solution, you could fit 2 standard diodes in series to lower the VOC

Of course you’ll loose some efficiency, and the diodes may need a heat sink

 

[8balladdict]

I’m just going to install a Victron SmartSolar 75/15, as I already have the Victron BMV-712.

 

[Dmin]

Just jumping in on the back of this thread as just installed a 75/15. If anyone has any advice on the pin set up (under the 20a. Fuse) the manual says you can bridge pins and I am not sure if I need to alter anything. It’s a 180w solar panel going to Mppt and then to leisure battery (not lithium). Not connected to anything else. Thanks
Darren

 

[Dellmassive]

Just jumping in on the back of this thread as just installed a 75/15. If anyone has any advice on the pin set up (under the 20a. Fuse) the manual says you can bridge pins and I am not sure if I need to alter anything. It’s a 180w solar panel going to Mppt and then to leisure battery (not lithium). Not connected to anything else. Thanks
Darren

View attachment 191640

do you have the Bluetooth version?

 

[8balladdict]

If it’s the SmartSolar one with Bluetooth, just remove the jumper and configure it in the app.

 

[DaveCrampton]

Follow up question if the OP doesn't mind.

@Dellmassive I have a Renogy solar suitcase (200W) which comespre wired through the controller. Now I have a leisure battery charging from the vehicle engine through a Renogy DCC50 I can just bypass the built in controller on the panels and hook up into the DCC50?

Thanks, Dave C

 

[Dellmassive]

Follow up question if the OP doesn't mind.

@Dellmassive I have a Renogy solar suitcase (200W) which comespre wired through the controller. Now I have a leisure battery charging from the vehicle engine through a Renogy DCC50 I can just bypass the built in controller on the panels and hook up into the DCC50?

Thanks, Dave C

yes you can do that . . . . .

just make up a MC4 link cable set and connect to the DCC50 - then run an extension MC4-MC4 out to the panels - Then connect to the panels MC4


.................



or you can just use the included Renogy controller alongside the DCC50 - just connect a fused quick disconect cable to the leisure battery - then connect to the Renogy solar controller.


++++++


or you can connect the Renogy set to the starter battery . . . then rely of the DCC50 auto switching on when the starter voltage rises - which will offer some charge to both batterys.

+++++++


If leisure battery is the priority - then connect to that.

+++

more info:




******************************************************************

SOLAR:

• Solar Pwm & Mppt Controllers - How I Done It -
• Mobile Solar Panels ? . . . - How I Did It -
• What Solar Panel & Controller? - How We Done It -
• Solar Panel Cutting Hole In Roof !!! - How We Done It -
• 300w Plus Solar Club -- How I Done It --
• Solar Sheds & Other Non-t6 Solar Projects - How We Done It -
• [Guide] Solar Cables? . . . - How I Did It -

My Panels:

• [Guide] Solar Cables? . . . - How I Did It -
• 50w 12v socket Dash Fold panel
• 50W Bluefusion Fold panel
• 200W Lensun Fold panel
• 110w Lensun Flex panel + Mag tape
• 100w Renogy Eclipse fold panel
• 160w PhotUnis Flex rear gland panel
• 100w Renogy suitcase
• 120w Bluefusion fold panel
• 200w Lensun flex panel
• 200w Renogy suitcase panel
• 100w Renogy suitcase 2021 vsn
• 150w PU flex rear gland panel
• 160w Renogy flex rear gland panel
• 200w Renogy suitcase Kit - V2
• 150W Lensun Black Flex Panel

*****************************************************

.

 

[Dmin]

do you have the Bluetooth version?

Thanks for the reply and yes I have the Solarsmart blue tooth model.
Darren

 

[Dmin]

If it’s the SmartSolar one with Bluetooth, just remove the jumper and configure it in the app.

Thanks and the manual is overly complicated and doesn’t really explain things. I will just take it out as you have suggested and then navigate my way through the configuration on the app. I had just assumed that the actual unit was plug and play and didn’t need adjusting.
Darren