Connect Charge Controllers in Parallel - Tips&Guide

Facing with increasing energy needs, difficult solar conditions, or a need for faster battery charging? Wiring solar charge controllers in parallel may naturally come to mind. But how to implement it safely? Discover the benefits, step-by-step instructions, and essential tips for parallel MPPT charge controllers in this article.

 

 

Can charge controllers be connected in parallel

Yes, solar charge controllers can be connected in parallel, but communication capability is crucial to ensure that they can run together with proper coordination and synchronization. By exchanging data, these controllers can work together to optimize the charging process and prevent conflicts in their operation

 

Benefits of running charge controllers in parallel

Running charge controllers in parallel brings numerous benefits to solar power systems.

Faster Charging

Parallel charge controllers enable multiple controllers to work simultaneously, increasing the overall charging capacity. This results in faster battery charging times, especially useful in situations where rapid charging is essential.

 

Flexibility

Parallel configuration allows for the use of different sizes or brands of solar panel arrays, accommodating diverse setups. Additionally, it permits the integration of solar arrays with different orientations, optimizing energy harvesting in varying conditions.

 

Expandability

As energy needs grow, additional solar panels can be easily added to the system without the need for a complete overhaul. This scalability is advantageous for adapting the solar power system to changing energy requirements.

 

Fault Tolerance

In the event of a failure in one charge controller, the others continue to operate independently. This redundancy enhances system reliability and ensures that power generation remains uninterrupted even if one controller malfunctions.

 

How to connect two or multiple charge controllers in parallel

This guide focuses on using the PowMr HHJ60-PRO MPPT solar charge controller, which supports parallel connection with up to 12 units.

 

Tips for Parallel MPPT Charge Controllers

• Confirm Parallel Capability
  Ensure your solar charge controller supports parallel connection. Refer to the device specifications to verify this capability.
• Manage Charging Current
  As charging current increases with parallel controllers, check the battery manufacturer's specifications. Ensure the battery can handle the combined charging current safely.
• Separate Solar Arrays
  Connect each controller to a separate solar array. Avoid connecting one solar array to multiple controllers simultaneously. The input power for each controller should not exceed the rated input power of a single unit.

 

Steps to connect charge controllers in parallel

Step 1. Install the charge controllers

Install parallel devices at the same height level with a minimum distance of approximately 75mm between devices.

Step 2. Parallel solar charge controllers with specific communication cables

Using specialized communication cables, establish connections between controllers by extracting red and black wires from each controller's communication port. Connect the red wire to the corresponding red wire of the next controller and the black wire to its black wire, creating a sequential connection between adjacent controllers.

Step 3. Connect the charge controllers to one battery bank

Connect all controllers to the same battery bank via the breaker. Attach the positive (red) terminal of each controller to the corresponding positive terminal of the battery bank, and likewise, connect the negative (black) terminal of each controller to the battery bank's negative terminal.

Steps 4. Connect the each PV array to each solar charge controller

For each solar charge controller, connect the specific PV array individually.

Step 5. Connect the DC load

Link every controller to the DC load for efficient operation and optimal performance in the system.

Step 6. Set the parallel operation code for each controller

PowMr HHJ60-Pro mppt solar charge controller support user to define the master in the D05 setting program.

The controller with the lowest communication code value will be the master. In parallel operation, if the master encounters an issue, the system will automatically switch to the controller with the next code value, which then becomes the new master.

After set up the communication code, you can configure the charging parameter via the master.

How to connect charge controllers in parallel - Video Guide