18 | Installation
2.8 Connecting Solar Panels — Yellow Wire
The optional YELLOW wire connects solar input to the BCDC. If solar is not installed, tape over the
unused wires.
DO NOT connect solar panels that have inbuilt regulators. The BCDC has an inbuilt regulator that
may not function correctly if regulated solar panels are connected.
2.8.1 CONNECTING MULTIPLE SOLAR PANELS
There is no limitation of how many solar panels you can connect in parallel to your BCDC but you will
need to size the cables correctly (refer to
"Table 2.4.1: Cable Sizing" on page 14
).
The BCDC will automatically limit the Power going to the unit if the panels supply more than the
maximum needed. (375W for BCDC1225D, 600W for BCDC1240D, 750W for BCDC1250D). Power
generated by solar panels is affected by light level, cloud cover and time of day, so having additional
solar panels can still be beneficial for charging in sub-optimal conditions.
NOTE:
Most house panels have an open circuit voltage with a 32 V limit, the BCDC is not suitable
for these panels.
CONNECTING SOLAR PANELS IN PARALLEL
NOTE:
Do not connect solar panels in series, when connecting multiple 12 V solar panels, it is
important to connect them in parallel. Connecting in parallel ensures the output voltage remains the
same while doubling the overall power output of the array.
Figure 2.8.1.1:
Connecting solar panels in parallel
Example only, panels/configurations may vary.
