Solar Panel Open Circuit Voltage For Redarc BCDC Battery Charger

Question:

I am having trouble understanding what it means not to exceed The solar input voltage to 32 volts.... I basically whant to know how many 100w solar panels this unit can control? can I putt 400w, 800w of unregulated solar panels with this unit? Thanks in advance for your help. Help me understand if this is the right product

asked by: Juan C

Expert Reply:

Based on my research a 12 volt panel doesn’t put out 12 volts but it produces enough voltage to charge a 12 volt battery. It produces around 18 volts and has an open circuit voltage, without a load, of 21 volts. So without a controller, you will only be able to use 1 panel. To use more than one panel you will need a controller like the Furrion MPPT Solar Charge Controller - 50 Amp - 12V and 24V # FSCC60PWBBL which works with panel combinations up to 600 watts.

expert reply by: Jason S