I'm working with an Anker Solix F1200 that can handle up to three solar panels, with a limit of 60 Volts and 12.5 Amps for short circuit current, for a max output of 600W. I really want to get close to that 600W to meet my work-from-home energy needs, but I'm having trouble finding the right combination of solar panels. Most options either exceed the 60 Volt limit in series or go over the amperage limit in parallel. I found some 195 Watt solar panels with a VoC of 20.2 and a short circuit current of 10.14A. Would these work, even though they slightly exceed the 60 Volt limit? Is that a strict limit? I'm also considering adding a kill switch to one of the panels to manage the voltage when it's peaking. Has anyone found a good solution?
2 Answers
For my Anker F2000, I use the Allpowers 600W solar panel which stays under 60V (around 53V if I recall correctly). It powers my desktop and a 44-inch TV all day unless the weather's bad, in which case I just plug it in to charge. I'm thinking of adding another similar panel since the max input is 1000W and I usually get about 460W. But I'm a bit hesitant about potential failures since those panels aren't cheap.
Going over the voltage limit isn't ideal, but most controllers have safeguards. If you hit the voltage cap, they often just shut down temporarily to protect themselves, which I've experienced with mine. Considering that the voltage mostly peaks under perfect sunlight and without any load, you might not reach those extremes often while using the panels. Plus, with the right usage, you could keep the voltage within the safe limits.
Yeah, I hear you on the price concerns. It's risky to spend that much on just one panel. Some folks suggest using smaller panels so if one goes out, you don't lose the whole setup.