Using House Hold panels on my 12v system

[Fatbaz]

Hi,

Are there any issues running 39.4V(VOC) domestic panels through an MPPT controller to my 12v battery bank? providing the charge controller can manage the amps. I've got two 440W 39.4V panels I would like to use. I've used a house hold panel on my ute to power the Aux battery and it seems to work fine although I hadn't considered the implications of the higher voltage until recently. From doing a bit of reading it seems ok providing I use an MPPT controller.

Thanks

[fxykty]

As long as your MPPT controller can handle the incoming voltage and the outgoing amperage and you can set whatever charge voltage you want then you’re all set.

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by fxykty

As long as your MPPT controller can handle the incoming voltage and the outgoing amperage and you can set whatever charge voltage you want then you’re all set.

Seconded. I've got a couple of 410W household panels (with 1 MPPT each) on my boat. They've worked great for a few years at this point.

[pcmm]

That's pretty much the "Norm" as there really aren't marine specific panels in any of the larger more useful sizes. my current PV has a PVmax of 42v and I run it into my Tracer 40amp BN. Works pretty good, I think the victron units are better and more efficient so that is in my upgrade path in the near future.

[barnakiel]

I have used plain regular panels since 2002. My only comment is back then they were made by Siemens in Europe and lasted 20+ years. Now they are Inese and last 10 years before needing replacement.


I do not think there is anything like 'marine grade' solar panels. It is just rebranding and marketing. The marine market is too small for a separate technology.


b.

[smj]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

I have used plain regular panels since 2002. My only comment is back then they were made by Siemens in Europe and lasted 20+ years. Now they are Inese and last 10 years before needing replacement.


I do not think there is anything like 'marine grade' solar panels. It is just rebranding and marketing. The marine market is too small for a separate technology.


b.

In the “old” days the only solar panels that would carry a warranty for marine use, or within a certain mileage of saltwater were the Kyoceras, that I know of. With the price of solar nowadays it just doesn’t matter?

[Cheyne]

Our boat had Kyoceras when we bought it, but they were 200w each. Now we have Aptos 400w panels that I got from Signature Solar for $1100 for a pallet of 10. Kept 7 and sold 3 to another boater in our marina.

Cheyne

[Fatbaz]

Thanks for the replys guys