Solar charging noob question


New CATL Modules with 20x 3.2v 280ah Prismatic - 17.92kWh - $145-$150/kWh live @ www.batteryhookup.com

Tinkerer

New member
Joined
Apr 7, 2021
Messages
14
My current planned setup is to have the solar panel go through a charge controller, with charges the battery. That part works fine. My question is how should the inverter connect? Is there an issue with connecting to input of the inverter to the battery? Effectively connecting the battery and inverter both parallel to the panel, meaning the battery charges and discharges simultaneously. In theory the battery would reach full charge and stop drawing current, so then the inverter draws from the panel? How do others do this?
 

cak

Member
Joined
Mar 14, 2021
Messages
192
Yep that is how solar is usually set up :) usually appropriately sized breakers are installed between each component to protect equipment. I have lived off grid with all solar energy my while life.
 

ajw22

Member
Joined
Nov 16, 2018
Messages
733
[...] meaning the battery charges and discharges simultaneously.
Never simultaneously. The battery will either be charging if there is more PV current coming in than the inverter needs. Or discharging if the inverters draws more current than the PV can supply. Or doing precisely nothing if inverter draw perfectly matches the PV supplied current.

I hope you've wired in a BMS, if you're using lithium batteries? It seems you're indeed very new to this - I strongly suggest you post exactly which devices you're planning to use, and a wiring diagram. Somebody will surely comment if there are any obvious issues.
 

Tinkerer

New member
Joined
Apr 7, 2021
Messages
14
Never simultaneously. The battery will either be charging if there is more PV current coming in than the inverter needs. Or discharging if the inverters draws more current than the PV can supply. Or doing precisely nothing if inverter draw perfectly matches the PV supplied current.

I hope you've wired in a BMS, if you're using lithium batteries? It seems you're indeed very new to this - I strongly suggest you post exactly which devices you're planning to use, and a wiring diagram. Somebody will surely comment if there are any obvious issues.
Nah, been playing with batteries for two years. Just the solar stuff is new to me. I have a BMS.
 
Top