Renogy Off-Grid Kit, General Manual

Page: 61 / 75

61
6.2 Information about solar panels and PWM Controllers
When connecting a solar panel to the charge controller, please ensure that the correct type of
panel or panel array is used.
Please note the following about PWM Controllers:

12V panels should be used with 12V battery systems only

24V panels or 12V panels configured in series to make 24V should be used with 24V
battery systems only

The solar array should not max out the rated power of the controller. Failure to obey this
rule may result in the controller overheating or catching fire.
6.3 Extending the output wires of the solar panel
As we explained in the previous section,
RENOGY Solar Panels are equipped with cables
terminated by MC4 Connectors. To extend these cables, RENOGY provides adapter kits as
shown in Figure 6.2 . Adapter kits can be found in Complete Solar Kits or sold as separate
components at www.renogy-store.com .
Fig. 6.2 . MC4 Adapter Kit
Adapter kits are sold in different lengths, and the basic gauge size is #12 AWG. Unassembled
MC4 Connectors can also be purchased separately to make a custom adapter cable suitable for
different length specifications.
Caution!
The typical connection for 12V panels using a PWM Controller is a parallel
connection . This connection increases the current, but keeps the voltage level
the same. When placing multiple panels in parallel, it is necessary to size the wire
gauge accordingly, and keep the distance between the solar array and the
controller as
close as possible .
Long runs of cable between the panel(s) and the controller increase the line loss if the gauges
are not properly sized. We recommend keeping the distance between the solar array and the
controller as close as possible.
RENOGY provides a gauge-sizing tool, available for no charge at:
http://www.renogy-store.com/category-s/1864.htm
Please refer to Figure 6.3 . This figure shows the extending of the output wires of the RNG-100D
Solar Panel using the adapter kit. The polarity labeled on the panel’s leads should be the only
ones to follow. When adapting the leads, mark the
positive (+) cable; doing so will avoid reverse
polarity when connecting the panel(s) to the controller.