How to Wire Multiple Solar Charge Controllers into a DIY Camper Electrical System
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
This video will teach you how to wire and configure multiple charge controllers into the same array in the event that you need to effectively have more than one solar array installed on your camper (Or...a roof array and a ground array, for example).
➤How to Wire a Solar Charge Controller: www.explorist.life/how-to-wire-a-solar-charge-controller-for-a-diy-camper-electrical-system/
➤How to Wire a Solar Disconnect: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eoOM0LmRpq--m9I.html
➤Need additional & personalized help? Consider joining my private group: www.community.explorist.life
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful with planning and installing your DIY Camper:
➤DIY Camper Solar Wiring Diagrams: www.explorist.life/solarwiringdiagrams
➤How to Perform a Power Audit: kzread.info/dash/bejne/k2hkmKuxmbiTiMo.html
➤Basic Parts & Components of an Electrical System: kzread.info/dash/bejne/qqmOyZaHkdaphto.html
➤How to Cut Wire: www.explorist.life/how-to-cut-wire/
➤How to Strip Wire: kzread.info/dash/bejne/lZVol8aFYruag7A.html
➤How to Crimp Wire: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fKGdupSRh5eedps.html
➤How to Make MC4 Connectors: kzread.info/dash/bejne/i3p1ra1taZTdmpM.html
➤How to Wire Solar Panels in Series-Parallel: kzread.info/dash/bejne/lGZ8mtipmpvYgco.html
➤How to Crimp Wire Ferrules: kzread.info/dash/bejne/mmx3qqOPndO2dto.html
➤How to Wire an AC/DC Breaker/Fuse Box: www.explorist.life/how-to-wire-a-power-distribution-panel/
Пікірлер: 503
I had no idea how slick the Victron gear was until I saw your series of videos on the subject. They have a whole ecosystem.
Briefly and clearly illustrated. Thanks.
Great instructional video, as aways you make it simple. Thanks
Excellent! Thanks for your video. Been trying to figure this stuff out for ages and just found you. Legend 👍👍👍👍🇦🇺
very clean and clear. I noticed it because it looked identical to mine - the wiring guard. I am still in the middle of my build and watch everything I can to ensure I have not forgotten anythig.
Extremely helpful and thorough :-)
You explanation and attention to detail is amazing. Thank you.
@EXPLORISTlife
Жыл бұрын
Hey elliot330, No problem! Glad it helped! :)
THANK YOU, THANK YOU ,THANK YOU .THIS IS THE SIMPLE SYSTEM I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR ALL MY LIFE .
@EXPLORISTlife
3 жыл бұрын
No problem. Happy to help!
Informative, additional knowledge thankz you sir...
I found this very helpful, and have used your previous Solar Disconnect instruction video for solar at a cabin I have. This particular video will be part of my plan when adding a few 320W panels to my boat. Really clear, and concise. Appreciate you taking the time to do this.
@EXPLORISTlife
Жыл бұрын
Glad it helped!
@anthonypinnock4137
Жыл бұрын
@@EXPLORISTlife i need diagram of how to wire 2 charge controller
Really helpful! Thanks!!
Best Victron tutorial youtube channel, beter than Victron self, greetings from Holland. After seeing your videos I switched to Victron
At 8:27 you mention connecting to the Victron Smart Shunt. Im so glad you mentioned this tidbit- I'll use it to maximize efficiency of my two serial arrays/2 MPPT controllers.
@EXPLORISTlife
Жыл бұрын
Hey Richard Musante, No problem! Glad it helped! :)
Great info I've seen a number of your videos I'm using 2 controller but just setting each one using the controllers them selves it's a much more frugal set up but your video is very informative thanks
Very helpful thank you! 🤙
Excellent Tutorial. Got me excited about doing more Victron Installs!
@EXPLORISTlife
Жыл бұрын
Hey, Carl Sgambelluri! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀
Great instructional video.
really great work Chad.
Great video. I would've been afraid that the charge controllers would work against each other and back-feed power into one another, but then I realized that they can't because if they could the battery would back-feed power into them when the sun is not shining. I just converted my entire system from cheap to Victron, and what a dream!
@MegaErs123
2 жыл бұрын
I just saw the vid and had similar observations.. Thing is, observed the volts on array #1 at about 41V and array #2 at 19V. . Same question about the back feed by the arrray #1 into arry #2 at its lower voltage maybe causing something to short out. Can anyone clarify ?
@veteranveteran9915
2 жыл бұрын
@@MegaErs123 I had basically the same thing in the charge controllers were fighting each other
Super video, thank you 😊
Great video , thank you. I'm to connect 2* 100/50 right now
Thank you, Thank you, I am very impressed with your teaching, I appreciate your time and effort
@EXPLORISTlife
Жыл бұрын
Hey exp1278, Thanks so much! Cheers!
Great simple explanation!
@EXPLORISTlife
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Eric F, Thanks so much! Cheers!
Thanks,I was looking for the answer for this subject, you just help me a lot, thanks 👍☮️
@EXPLORISTlife
Жыл бұрын
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
thanks for the nice video and especially a thanks for the shunt nugget, pure gold... didn't know you could network it up, they all just say you can use it to show the usage and voltages but now it really makes sense to get the smartshunt instead of a dumbshunt even though it is quite pricey.
@EXPLORISTlife
Жыл бұрын
Hey Jesper Andersen, No problem! Glad it helped! :)
Really professional work and tutorials, enjoying ur vids, great job, thanks
@EXPLORISTlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for watching! Cheers!
Another great video...he does it again 👏
@EXPLORISTlife
2 жыл бұрын
Hey, thanks so much! Cheers! 👍😀
Soooo clear. Thank you 🙏
@EXPLORISTlife
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent! just what I was looking for Thanks!
@EXPLORISTlife
8 ай бұрын
Glad it helped!
This is awesome. I will be doing this soon to my Rv.
@EXPLORISTlife
11 ай бұрын
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
I love your videos..thanks very much..best regards . Daniel from Croatia
@EXPLORISTlife
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
Even I understood this video, great job.
@EXPLORISTlife
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
Good info.
@EXPLORISTlife
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! 🙂🙌
Thank you.
Hi - I never comment on videos, but i discovered your channel this weekend - and its been an absolute revelation... i was self teaching my way through a solar design, and your videos and tools have made a lot of the 'fuzzy' areas super clear. thanks so much ! absolutely awesome job ! I'm going into my particular design with 100% confidence, where i was unsure on certain things before :)
@EXPLORISTlife
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
@willyum1208
2 жыл бұрын
@@EXPLORISTlifeyou only have 2 connections left on that distributor, where would you put the connection for the inverter, AC panel and DC panel? Could you put two connections on one nut?
@turnpike420
2 жыл бұрын
@@willyum1208 you can chain Lynx Distributors together.
@terenceoloughlin3927
11 ай бұрын
@@willyum1208 The Lynx distributor is only for 12V devices. The inverters 12v lines would use the first two positions ( + and -), leaving the other two for some other 12V device or feed.
I need this in my life
@EXPLORISTlife
3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Excellent videos!
@EXPLORISTlife
2 жыл бұрын
Hey Kiko Johnson, Thanks so much! Cheers!
Cool stuff...
Just wanted to say thank you for all of the efforts in creating this content. Super helpful and the website is gold. Finally getting close to being able to convert my RV and the details you've shared go a long way!
great video
@EXPLORISTlife
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Excellent video! I plant to install a victron 250V/60 with 5 400w panels in series. Do you have the like for the double pole brakers and the plastic cable enclosure? Thanks
Hi Nate. Is this the best way if you have a solar blanket connected to the system when main panels are parked in the shade? Do the controllers need to be the same size if the solar blanket is smaller? Thanks you
Nate, Once again a very informative video. I do have one question in your last video you placed the MEGA fuse on the Lynx distributor terminal first then place battery positive cable on top of it. In this video you place the positive cable on the terminal first and then placed the fuse on top of it. So does it make any difference or is it just a personal preference?
Great video I am bumping the voltage max and looking to add another controller and split my array in stead of replacing current controller
Hi Nate, Mate, your tutorials are awesome. Nate you mention in this tutorial the need for multiple charge controls if your array exceeds a single controller. What if i have a 100/30 and increase my battery size so the i now need more than 30. Let’s say i need 60amp. Can i introduce a second 100/30 (in parallel or series) to get the required 60amp or will i need to upgrade to a 150/75? Would really appreciate your insight. I image two 30amp controllers one would cancel out the other as one would see 30amp in or will VRM allow me to override or set both units to 30amp each?
Does one of your Videos already show how to take full advantage of vehicle alternators? We’ve got a 400a Alternator that isn’t being taken full advantage of and would love to see a video by you about such adaptations. Thank you!!!
Thanks for an amazing tutorial!I have a question on wire size. Currently I have outback 60 am charge controller and 1 x 4 PV panels array. I ordered 2 victron 250/60 to add 8 PV panels (Voc 46.8v & Isc 10a), planning to connect 2 arrays x 4 panels in series each. Should I use 6awg cables when connecting all charge controllers to victron lynx power in? Not sure if it matters, currently I have 24v lead acid battery bank but will switch to a new 48v one when I receive my new lithium batteries in 2 month (will also add another 8 PV panels and will use 1 victron for each 8 panel array). Thanks in advance!
Hey mate, just wondering what you've used to connect the negative between the two charge controllers and the Lynx? Thanks heaps.
Pretty easy to understand, thanks, of course to your presentation method. Ran it to a little hiccup in using the tool to size the CC. One panel recommendation using EZ is 100/30, using detailed it’s 100/50. Fine, purchased the latter. The problem arises in that I’ve purchased TWO of the same panels, instead of the One (intended). Using the Sizing Tool, it recommends 150/60 (EZ) or 150/85 (detailed). HUGE Price difference ! If I just bought another 100/50, would that serve my purposes just as well, though I suppose each panel would come in through roof independently. But, it would be A Lot cheaper to buy a second 100/50. Though, I wouldn’t benefit from the Smart Shunt, because I got an Alii. 😫
What wire gauge and fuses would you use to connect 3 x 60am controllers? Thanks a lot
I have a setup thats similar to this and I've been studying your diagrams. I'm addition to 2 charge controllers, I'll also be using a DC DC charger. Should I go with just a traditional bus bar setup in that case since I'll need to use 5 fuses?
Great video as always What size and spec are the solar panels? What size wire are you using for the equipment grounds and the pos and neg Thanks
Great video. I noticed you put the positive wire on on first and then the fuse. Can you put the wire on first and then the fuse. Where connect to the victron distribution
Where do you talk about mega fuze sizing feeding battery to the charge controller? Thanks.
Your videos are clear and to the point. I have two Renogy 400 watt arrays and two Victron charge controllers. I was wondering the proper way to set them up. Question, do I need to use the Victron shunt to make sure everything is compatible? I do have a Xantrex 3000 watt inverter charger and one liTime 300AH battery. It works with the one controller. Haven't set up the second one yet.
Hi Nate, thank you thank you thank you for sharing your in-depth knowledge of electrical systems. I have a question for you: What type of electrical system would I need to power an Air Fryer? My cursory search on the Internet says an air fryer draws too much power. Is this possible? What would I need?
@EXPLORISTlife
3 жыл бұрын
You should do a power audit to figure that out. Here is a tutorial for that: kzread.info/dash/bejne/k2hkmKuxmbiTiMo.html ...also... anything is possible with the proper application of effort and funds. lol The power audit will confirm... but I suspect you will be looking at something like this: www.explorist.life/3000w-inverter-400-600ah-400-to-1200w-solar-camper-solar-kit
Great video. Is it OK to connect a wind generator to a solar mppt?
Nice
@EXPLORISTlife
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! 🙂🙌
Thanks for a very informative video and one that I hope will prove very useful. A question if I may. My campervan is very small and I can only fit 1 x 100w solar panel on the roof. As such I was thinking of using a bluetti 200w solar blanket as the second panel when needed. Are there any obvious downsides to this using your setup - especially as the solar blanket will not be connected at all times? Many thanks.
Do you have a video on two or more invertors install?
Another great video, fantastic explanation as always, I've a question about 48v battery banks. I'm setting up a 48v off grid system, using all Victron products, you've explained everything perfectly so far, very useful. but, I'm a bit stumped about balancing the batteries, at this stage I'm planning on using on using Victron Super Cell Lead batteries, I'm not not convinced about lithium yet, anyway, I'd love a video showing how to connect the Victron battery balancers, it's clear how to set it up for 12v, 48v banks need 3 balancers, given the cost of all this equipment, I'd like to get it right the first time. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do a video 🙂
Very good information nice video one question how can I know the voltage input of a charge control
Hi great content i am form england i have 2 smart controllers connected on my 12v battery bank should i also link the controllers together i do not have a smart shunt barry
This brings up my next question, how do you feel about the lower-end charge controllers? Like the ones that come with the Harbor Freight solar panels or the low end renogy solar charge controller. It seems like these really elaborate mppt controllers are the norm, is it possible to wire a sufficient solar system with a regular charge controller?
Thanks for sharing. Like #84
@EXPLORISTlife
3 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
Hey Nate, does this setup also work if the mppts are different? For example, can I connect a 100/20 mppt and a 75/10 mppt to the same distributer? Kind regards, Flint
@EXPLORISTlife
4 ай бұрын
Yep!
@backyardblasters
4 ай бұрын
@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks, and extra thanks for such a fast reply!
Great vid! Would please like to know: Can solar charge controllers have their load output connected in parallel to feed together a load? I would like to feed one load with two solar controllers load output. The controllers are the same model/size but are not connected in parallel between them, would be only the load output in parallel. Thank you
Thank you ! Now... can i have 1 array in series to one controller, and the 2nd array in parallel to the other controller ? And will the controllers still talk to each other ? Im in the uk on a boat .
Great video I use a redarc manager 30 but find I don't have enough solar and I've maxed out the redarc with 600w of solar panels, could I ad a victron charge controller to the system without causing damage to the redarc,batteries or the new victron?
Great video, thanks! Can you do this with two different brand charge controllers? I have a suitcase solar panel that I will only use occasionally and I have a spare charge controller but it is a different make than the one in my trailer. Thanks again.
I originally posted this on your video about crimping wire lugs but since this is close I thought I would post it here too. I have a question about the terminal lugs. I have a Lynx Distributor but the Selterm Cable Lugs for 4/0 AWG, stud size 5/16" are interfering with or by the plastic insulators that separate positive from negative wire connections. This interference is on both the pos stud and neg stud. I checked the spec on the part at Amazon and it is the correct width. I could force it down by tightening it, but that just seems wrong and could break the plastic. Should I shim it with washers under the lug to get the clearance? (wish i could post a picture)
Hi, I have purchased your electrical diagram for my 400 watt battery system. It has been very helpful. But, I have a question. The diagram shows a 2AWG wire connected from the charge controller to the distributor. As you know the controller has small connection points that require a Furrel. I have tried placing a furred on the 2 wag but even after crimping does not fit the controller. How do I go about that?
Great video-Thanks! Some installs on a boat have 4-6 MPPTs. Is there a way to wire the MPPTs where they don’t each take up a space on the distribution? For example, running all the positives from the 6 MPPTs to a busbar then a single wire from the busbar to the distributor?
@bramcoteelectrical1088
2 жыл бұрын
No. Best way to fuse each bud. Yes easier to just wire to one point but less safe to do so if you have a short on the output from the mppt etc. Fuse and wire each x Controller back to the busbar
Dude, great video. Which will be your suggestion when I have two battery banks (both 12v, but one has 100ah and second 105ah, both lifepo4). At the moment I have epever controller which supports one battery bank only I cannot wire batteries in series because they have different ah. Another solar panel to second battery bank or a Epever duoracer kinda of approach?
Nate, another great video. Does this system require the smart shunt to properly charge the batteries with multiple charge controllers? I have the Victron BMV-712 battery monitor.
@EXPLORISTlife
3 жыл бұрын
The BMV-712 will act in the exact same manner I showed in this video as the SmartShunt.
Great videos. How do you connect a SmartSolar 100/30 and a BlueSolar 100/50? is that possible or do I have to junk the BlueSolar, it does show up on my Cerbo.
Thank you for the great video. If I have an all-in-one Inverter/controller, would I be able to add a charge controller only to add more panels or would I need to add another inverter charger? Thanks
@EXPLORISTlife
2 жыл бұрын
Additional charge controllers can indeed be added independently of additional inverters. The two are not related.
I'm curious if instead I could go from a combiner to buss bar to multiple charge controllers? Where the panels were wired in parallel and their sum (amps) was higher than one controller could handle individually.
Do you always use 2 pole, panel disconnect breakers... and where do you buy the sturdy breaker box (with DIN Rail)
Thank you for the video. What about victrons with Load outputs? Can you parallel those?
@EXPLORISTlife
20 күн бұрын
We don’t really utilize those in our system designs, so those can be ignored.
Thanks for sharing is it ok if my solar panel array 1 is connected in series and the 2nd array panels are connected in parallel and I got two different brand of solar charge controller is it possible to use ? By the way those two solar charge controller are both MPPT
Now we're talking! I love your channel! Victron for life! Can you do a multiple battery bank system video? Do I use btb 12to12/24to24?
@EXPLORISTlife
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching! I've got a video of a system that has multiple batteries in it's battery bank here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fIGl1rh7fpWcfrQ.html and all of the diagrams at www.explorist.life feature battery banks with multiple batteries.
@Marwenstrom
3 жыл бұрын
@@EXPLORISTlife I meen lithium battery's of one sort and lead of another sort for example.
@EXPLORISTlife
3 жыл бұрын
Oh, gotcha. I would never recommend mixing and matching battery chemistries/voltages into the house battery bank or having two seperate house battery banks; so I won't be doing a video over that. The closest I'll get to that kind of video is talking about DC DC chargers when we charge our house lithium bank from the alternator which is connected to a lead acid or AGM battery bank, that'll be coming up later this summer.
I have a 30 amp renogy rover mppt controller but I require an array of 1200 watts and 600 ah bank according to your excel power sheet, can I use 2 renogy mppts and split the panels into 2 400 watt panel to 1 30 amp mppt and 2 other 400 watt panels to the other 30 amp mppt?
I've watched almost every video you've put out and can't thank you enough for all the time and effort you put into trying to teach us this stuff. can you please please help, I just want to know what gauge wire i need to run from my (4) 210 solar panels in series down to my victron mppt charge controller. I see things that saw 10awg is okay then see other's that say no use 4awg and its very confusing to me and thought I understood everything, may you please clear this up for me?
@bobybayo
Жыл бұрын
Check the calculator
Would you mind sharing what software you are using to create your wiring diagrams? I would like to make one specific to my application and components and cant seem to find anything like this. Are you drawing it in PowerPoint with inserted photos or is there actual software to do this kind of drawing? Thanks, love your videos!
@EXPLORISTlife
3 жыл бұрын
Sure! I use Microsoft Visio for all of my diagrams / illustrations.
thank you, now I can go easy and by 2 panel kits at a time, twice 1000 bucks is easier the one 2000 payment, I assume you have link for parts and wiring diag for this setup
Nate, I understand the need to use a 2 pole breaker between the panel and the charge controller. However don't understand why the 63 AMP instead of sizing the breaker to protect the wiring. Then go add a separate fuse link which seems to duplicate but potentially add resistance to the system, Thanks, Don
What is that wiring track that you use. I have looed around and can't find a reference to it
Equipment bonding to battery negative or to chassis ground, any difference? thanks
I have victron 100/30 but they don't have bluetooth all I can do is to spin the wheel to set them up, is there anything else that can be done to make them work together?
Excellent videos, Thank you. I did notice that you are hooking all the charge controller equipment grounds to the negative battery buss. Is that necessary?
@EXPLORISTlife
5 ай бұрын
Yes.
I went with series for following: 1. Biggest reason is Victron MPPT's don't initiate battery charge until output 5vdc greater than battery vdc; series charges batteries earlier than parallel configuration. 2. Can mix solar panel voltage outputs. 3. Uses small Guage wire
Is the lynx distributer necessary in a mobile application? Let’s say I’m on a budget, want to start with two victron 100/20 mppt controllers but also plan to scale up slowly from there.
Hi Nate, I have been following you since 2020, you have helped me with my solar/Lithium install on my Airstream. We now have a new trailer with 400W on the roof and a Victron 100/50 CC. I want to add a 400W suitcase with Victron 100/30 CC mounted beside the existing 100/50 CC like you have in this video. Can I wire the CC ground to the existing CC equipment ground, or do I have to use a junction stud?
Where exactly can I purchase the wiring channel your using in this video to keep you area clean and neat ?
Thank you for helping us all confidently build our systems! I have a quick question though. I'm building a system with a similar configuration. Upstream of both charge controllers, can the 2 solar arrays share the same neutral? thank you!
@EXPLORISTlife
2 жыл бұрын
Nope.
@Pierobon
2 жыл бұрын
@@EXPLORISTlife Pin Q&A! =)
I do not have victron charge controllers.... So my question is...are the renogy charge controllers required to network,,. Do the have to talk to each other. Or can I just hook up each controller to the battery bank as is individually. I'm asking because I plan to add to solar array on my van later when I can afford it. I can make it 2 separate battery banks if necessary. 1 for my 12v fridge and 1 for the rest of my stuff. Would rather they were all 1 battery bank though.
Hi, Thank you for your great videos, Is there a reason to use a fuse instead of a breaker ?
@EXPLORISTlife
10 ай бұрын
Yes. The fuse fits in the Lynx Distributor. A breaker will not fit in the Lynx Distributor.
Great video as usual. Why would I use the lynx distributer vs. the lynx power in. Big price difference.
@EXPLORISTlife
3 жыл бұрын
Will have a video out next month comparing the two. :)
Can I plug two separate solar panels (1x250w and 1x200w blankets) into an auxiliary battery box using two Anderson connects with the two MTTP regulators?