18 replies to this topic

[ckent323]

I don't think a fuse is needed between the Victron controller and the panels.  The Victron controller has a fuse as I recall.  I think there should be a fuse between the Solar Controller and the Battery as well as between the battery and the rest of the system.

However, Renogy does recommend a fuse (reason not stated) between the panels and the solar controller.

They also give an example to help you appropriately size the fuse.

https://www.renogy.c...k and inverter.

I hope this is helpful.

Craig



Edit:  The Victron solar controller manuals recommend a disconnect switch between the panels and the controller and a fuse between the controller and the battery. 

Note: The Victron controllers are not protected against reverse polarity so be careful when connecting the battery side.

https://www.victrone...r_manual-en.pdf

Edited by ckent323, 07 May 2022 - 06:58 PM.

[Charlie]

I don't think a fuse is needed between the Victron controller and the panels.  The Victron controller has a fuse as I recall.  I think there should be a fuse between the Solar Controller and the Battery as well as between the battery and the rest of the system.

However, Renogy does recommend a fuse (reason not stated) between the panels and the solar controller.

They also give an example to help you appropriately size the fuse.

https://www.renogy.c...k and inverter.

I hope this is helpful.

Craig

 

A circuit breaker between the panels and the mppt is a good idea so that you can de-energize your system. You want to be able to directly disconnect all power sources. 
 

[Vic Harder]

The breakers are handy for servicing. I’d keep the smaller breaker where it is, not on the roof! From an electrical perspective, on the roof would be ideal, but servicing would be more difficult and I have not seen a camper done that way yet.

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

Good reference article from Renogy…thanks Craig. 

[camelracer]

I have my panels fused on the roof before they enter the camper due to the chance of the wires shorting behind the lift panel.

[ckent323]

Using a circuit breaker to disconnect the panels may be reasonable a disconnect switch would serve the same purpose.

It is my understanding that a fuse is not needed to protect solar panels (see link).  However, Renogy recommends it.  No reason provided by Renogy so it is not clear to me if the fuse is intended to protect the panels or the Solar Controller or just the wiring (which is relatively inexpensive by comparison).

https://electronics....nto an ammeter.

 

 

P.S. I edited my original comment above relative to a disconnect between the controller and the battery.


Craig

Edited by ckent323, 07 May 2022 - 07:00 PM.

[astropuppy]

very clean install. Nice work!

[Cbessler]

Thanks astropuppy! I will be making a video on this as soon as I can. I can try to update this thread when it's finished. Looking to add the info for everyone as it's been a kind of specific install with lots of research involved

I followed titos recommendations here: https://youtu.be/uJIEXhnF8MU

And did lots of reading and searching from explorist.life. https://www.explorist.life/

This got me the most info, obviously had a few questions down the road but helps for the fwc camper guys do to the specific campers etc

[ckent323]

I posted some comments in a different thread about potential issues with Tito's mounting method that folks may want to consider before just following his approach and assuming it is good:

 

see comment #23 at this link:

https://www.wanderth...guidance/page-3

Edited by ckent323, 09 May 2022 - 12:31 AM.