Does a solar controller limit/clip the current to the battery when the current reaches then goes past the controllers advertised level, eg Morningstar pro star 15?
Depends on the controller, a Plasmatronics PL series or Dingo series actually has a programmable upper limit that can be set to less than the rated capacity so they are designed to handle that task, but that doesn't mean all are designed that way. If the controller does have that capability it will create heat if it clips the max current to stay within its designed operating range. Depends how far over the controllers limit you go as to how much heat is produced. Best to read through the manufacturers specs and ring them if it is still unclear because some controllers will just let the smoke out if you try to push them beyond their limits.
T1 Terry
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Depends on the controller, a Plasmatronics PL series or Dingo series actually has a programmable upper limit that can be set to less than the rated capacity so they are designed to handle that task, but that doesn't mean all are designed that way. If the controller does have that capability it will create heat if it clips the max current to stay within its designed operating range. Depends how far over the controllers limit you go as to how much heat is produced. Best to read through the manufacturers specs and ring them if it is still unclear because some controllers will just let the smoke out if you try to push them beyond their limits.
T1 Terry
Thanks Terry. I am still running our 320 solar watts through the Morning star 15 and it has not let any smoke out. lol. I have an el cheapo 30 amp PWM to fit as soon as I can find the energy to swap it over.
I guess when the panels start charging in the morning at the lower sun angle the batteries reach float without the full 320 having to go through the controller?
Hi Paul,
Except for freak conditions where the sun reflects off the water or snow and back into very fine cloud and back down again, you won't see much more than 70% out of the 320w and at 12v that comes to 18 amps, so you aren't too much over so not really anything to worry too much about. Those freak solar condition days are the ones where it really hurts the eyes not to have the sun glasses on, rare but they do happen.
T1 Terry
__________________
You can lead a head to knowledge but you can't make it think. One day I'll know it all, but till then, I'll keep learning.
Any links to any sites or products is not an endorsement by me or do I gain any financial reward for such links
