Adding a portable solar panel/w controller, can I spice the output to the MPPT battery cables.

DaveC

I am adding a Renogy 100 watt panel with 20a controller to my 2023 400 with 1 100ah lithium battery. Based on other posts and manuals, the solar panel output should be connected to the +/- distribution block.  The Victron MPPT 75 15 solar controller battery output goes to the distribution block.  Can I connect the Renogy output to those wires or do I need to run separate wiring to the distribution block.  I am putting the SAE connection in the Nautilus, so using existing wiring would be shorter.

elbolillo

You will want to run separate wiring to the distribution block

Denny16

The Victron solar controller wires are gauged to only handle the output from the MPPT unit.  You need to run a second cable as elbolillo pointed out.  Trying to use the existing MPPT wire connection to the battery distribution block could overload those wires snd cause a fire.
cheers

Horigan

With all those connections to the distribution block, you should consider switching to busbars.  Be sure to add a cover for the positive bar.  

DaveC

@Horigan, good suggestion. Looks like quality varies (at least on Amazon) do you have a brand recommendation?  Thanks.

SLJ

I used these. They come with covers: https://amzn.to/3XMyb0x

Horigan

DaveC said:

@Horigan, good suggestion. Looks like quality varies (at least on Amazon) do you have a brand recommendation?  Thanks.

I like Blue Sea.  Be sure to get the power busbar (like my picture) with the larger studs for battery cables, not just a busbar.  SLJ's look good also.

bergger

If you have a controller on your panel you can also just attach the wires directly to the battery terminals and skip installing another bus bar.  

DaveC

@SLJ, thanks. are 5/16th studs large enough for the 10 gauge battery wires?

SLJ

I used the 3/8 which was fine for everything down to my 4 gauge battery connections. The buss bars I used also have smaller #8 screw connections for things like my Victron battery monitor so I don't have to try to fit small wires on a main post with the battery connections.