solar panel parallel connection question

[Graythompson]

I hooked up my second solar panel in parallel but it still is only putting out the same amps (5 max) (on my multimeters and on the controller display) as each single panel. Friends suggest that the panels will only put out full amps (should be c. 10 at max) if there’s a load. I'd appreciate any enlightenment.

Thank you. Gray

 

[Vic Harder]

Friends might be onto something. If the batteries are charged up, where would the current go? A load provides a place for it to go, as would discharging to 50% or so and then testing again.

 

[bsharp007]

The solar charge controller will reduce the amps coming into your batteries when your batteries reach a certain state of charge, AKA float. You could put your charger back into bulk mode by turning on appliances especially your fridge and put your solar charger into bulk mode where it gives your batteries all the solar power available and see what amps your solar panels are putting out.
Probably do this around noon or so with the sun at its peak.

 

[ri-f]

... A load provides a place for it to go, as would discharging to 50% or so and then testing again.

+1 on that.

photos show zero solar current reaching the battery because the battery is at 100% charged. This is with two 160 W panels in parallel.If I was discharged, say, 50% or so then I might see 14-15 amps of current to the battery once the mppt controller optimized the output.

Rich

 

[pvstoy]

Why does those images show "Demo Product" on the bottom?

 

[ri-f]

Why does those images show "Demo Product" on the bottom?

When I went to save the image from my VictronConnect app I hit share the file, and it sent it to the demo list in 'files settings' manager, in my app, which you can pull up without having to actually connect via bluetooth to look at your settings or data from a snapshot in time. Of course I forgot that you don't get an image file that you can actually share with anyone that doesn't have a program to read that particular file extension. Bang head! So, I then took a screenshot of the readout and posted that. Life used to be a lot less complicated.

 

[buckland]

On parallel panels a question if I may. I currently have a 160 watt panel on roof and a 100 watt flex panel I use as a portable. So two separate plugs. Renogy has a sale today... 100 watt flex $56 delivered.
So I grabbed one. This will make two portable panels.
Question can I daisy chain them in parallel to a single wall plug going to my Victron 100-20 controller?

 

[Vic Harder]

Yup, but what is the max total current output? Getting close to 20A I would think. Max recommended watts for the 100/20 is 290W.