Can someone please verify that this solar panel is properly wired? I thought that the diodes were supposed to be between the positive outlet tab of the solar panel and then to the positive lead to the charge controller. here is a picture
Quote from: Dr on August 21, 2013, 08:36:04 PM
Can someone please verify that this solar panel is properly wired? I thought that the diodes were supposed to be between the positive outlet tab of the solar panel and then to the positive lead to the charge controller. here is a picture
Well, if the system is working, then you have it hooked up right. ;D The diodes a in reverse bias to your + and - markings. What are the wires? From the solar panel? Output to battery? Either way, if those terminals are properly marked as shown, then those diodes are there for safety reasons, in case of reverse connections I would say. The diodes wont affect the circuit unless a reverse potential is across those terminals. Usually when diodes are used this way, when they do conduct due to reverse voltage at the terminals, they should blow a fuse and save the day, and the diodes, along with other circuitry. So fuse everything. Batteries, solar panel leads, etc.
Mags
Hi Dr,
If your panels voltage output is same as specified eg. 12volts, then there's no problem with that diode arrangement... ;D
Regards
Cc
Hi all,
A little help with solar panels, am a newbie on this, just bought a 3-50w solar panels that equals to 150w total, how should i wire it for max efficiency, parallel or series? Still thinking on what grid tie inverter to purchase? Thanks in advance.... ;)
Regards
Cc
Hi Magluvin: thank you for your response! The picture isnt really clear enough to show my concern, the reason I am having trouble accepting this is because that center post is not hooked up to anything EXCEPT the diodes. I thought the purpose of a diode was to prevent the electricity from flowing backwards into the panel FROM the batteries? Actually the electricity from the panels would first go to a charge controller and from there to the batteries. I watched a tutorial on making your own solar panel, and the guy was very specific about putting a single diode between the positive side of the last cell tabbing wire and the output lead ??? These are new panels that just came from the factory, so you would think they got it right!!!
Hi crazy cut06: google freesunpower.com, everything you need to know on how to hook things up these guys have the best how to solar site out there that I have seen and I have visited 100s and good luck with your solar project!!! ;D
Hi Dr,
Thank's for the link, but i don't have much time reading, that's why i'm asking help here from solar experts with their own experience on connecting solar array for a grid tie inverter.... ;D
Regards
Cc
Quote from: Dr on August 22, 2013, 07:51:51 PM
Hi Magluvin: thank you for your response! The picture isnt really clear enough to show my concern, the reason I am having trouble accepting this is because that center post is not hooked up to anything EXCEPT the diodes. I thought the purpose of a diode was to prevent the electricity from flowing backwards into the panel FROM the batteries? Actually the electricity from the panels would first go to a charge controller and from there to the batteries. I watched a tutorial on making your own solar panel, and the guy was very specific about putting a single diode between the positive side of the last cell tabbing wire and the output lead ??? These are new panels that just came from the factory, so you would think they got it right!!!
Hey Doc
So, those wires in the picture are the panel wires coming into the controller?
Putting the diode, as you were told, in series with the panels is usually because the panel will draw from the battery when the panels are in the dark, in simple circuits where there is little more than the panel, diode and battery, like a solar charging flashlight. But I would think that a controller would handle all that without the need for little extras like that. Maybe some do, maybe some dont.
The + and - designations in the pic, did you write that on there of is that the way it comes? I thought about the 2 diodes in series using the middle terminal between them. It may be that 2 are used in series for Peak Inverse Voltage reasons and putting them that way doubles that reverse voltage. Why not use just higher voltage diodes? When your making millions of devices, saving pennys count. ;)
I dont know what the unit in the picture is. Any documentation come with it?
Mags