Hi, I have an AC180 connected to the above panel only (apologies for the translation, the info sticker is Korean). I’ve read in other topics that the Open Voltage has to be between 12-60v so with the above panel, I can’t really overpanel in hopes of getting to 500w of solar because any new panels would cause the OV to go above the accepted range?
I really only get like 200 watts of charging off this and was trying to get closer to the 500w limit.
The application (solar panel) needs to align with the product (AC180), not the other way around. The voltage range of the AC180 is fixed. The question is whether you have the right application. Not all applications are created equal. Some poorly designed, others well made. Some applications are made OK, but user error leads to frustration.
So if you have a 400W panel made of good quality it will produce an acceptable number, like 300-350W. A poorly designed one, while “rated” for 400W will produce poor results. The other side of the coin is the end user. Did you make sure the panel is tilted optimally? The panel needs to be at a perpendicular angle to the Sun. So if the panel is flat on the ground, the sun’s altitude needs to be 90 degrees to be at 100% alignment. Likewise, the panel needs to be clean of dirt, debris, and shading. Dirt and debris can kill a LOT of the panel’s performance. Sometimes as high as 50-75%!. Yes it can be that bad.
My question to you would be how is your panel oriented currently? Do you have it on a pitched roof? Is it ground mounted and tilted? Flat on the ground? First and foremost make sure it is not shaded and clean. Lastly how old is the panel? I see dates of 2022 and 2023 on it, so its already going on 3 years old. Could it be on the frits?
It’s rated for 495W.
It’s ground mounted (for now. waiting on a pole mount to be delivered) and angled at the proper angle for my area and facing south. We’ve been very overcast lately, but when it’s bright sun I’m only getting maybe 250-300w of the AC180’s 500w limit. I would want to overpanel my setup to more closely approach that 500w limit, and stay inside of the VOC range.
Welcome to the forum @Ryutso first off I would double check all the mc4 connections are I’m currently using a longi 505w panel also ground mounted hooked up to the ac180 and on a clear sunny day and not too hot I get 410w which I’m more than happy with.
How long is the cable run to your panel? and if it’s long what gauge of cable are you using I would definatley be expecting more from the panel you are using.
