I've set up six 420w REC Alpha pure 2 solar panels with a Victron 450/200 4 tracker solar MPPT, but I'm confused about my power output. From around 11 AM to 2 PM, I'm hitting 2,900 watts, which seems to exceed my setup. Also, I'm seeing more than 50 amps, surpassing the rated amp capacity. This is causing my MPPT to occasionally cut out, or it seems like my Tiago rapid shutdown is losing signal, possibly causing those brief drops to zero. Can someone explain how my panels could produce more power than their rated capacity?
2 Answers
It’s not unusual to see your panels outperforming their rated capacities at times. If the temperatures are lower than normal, which they can be in places like Flagstaff, panels can actually generate more power due to their negative temperature coefficient. That said, over-paneling is typically fine as long as voltage remains within specs. Victron supports around 30% over-paneling, particularly for battery systems. Your better-than-standard conditions could be a factor here!
Another thing to keep in mind is that solar irradiance fluctuates throughout the day and even the seasons. If you're getting lots of direct sunlight and cool temps, your panels might just be exceeding their rated output. The lab testing conditions don’t account for everything—real-world performance can beat those specs!
Definitely! On those chilly, sunny days, panels can really shine. Just keep an eye on the voltage and you'll be fine.