Collected the solar panel for the ac180. Install soon hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow so I can test the number I get from it.
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Based on the specs of the panel and the AC180, on a good day with it angled right for the sun, you probably will only get about 385 of the 505 watts. The AC180 might get a bit more, but I’m basing this the Vmp of the panel (38.53v) and the AC180’s current limit of 10 amps. The good news is, since you’ve overpaneled, when the suns not great, you should still get some decent power out of it.
Keep us posted on how it does.
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Generally this is correct; however, when the current is being limited by the MPPT controller the voltage of the panel will rise above the Vmp (but stay below Voc), so you can get better power from the panel than you’d think, even with a current limitation. I will be interested in hearing @Ktt 's results from this panel!
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Yes, that’s basically what I meant by “The AC180 might get a bit more,”, though I wasn’t sure how much more. I’ve been meaning to test this, but haven’t gotten around to it. Maybe I won’t need to once we see @ktt 's results :)
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First day I’ve had of proper sun since I installed the panel the numbers are in now.
I’m getting 399w @9.9a so basically 400w @10a more than happy with these numbers what do you think.
I’m also looking into attaching a y adapter and am going to feed AC180 & AC60 of the one panel to see how that will work out. If it’s even possible.
Unfortunately, it does not work to connect one solar panel (or array) to multiple solar charge controllers because they will interfere with each other’s operation. Basically a solar panel does not work like a battery, so a charge controller is constantly adjusting the amount of current it is taking from the panel and finding the best balance between current taken and voltage supplied to maximize power available moment-by-moment. Only a single controller can perform that task on a solar panel or array at a time.
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