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

DaveC · July 2023

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 · July 2023

You will want to run separate wiring to the distribution block

Denny16 · July 2023

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 · July 2023

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 · July 2023

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

SLJ · July 2023

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

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/z5/fyhrntzxu4v6.jpg

Horigan · July 2023

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 · July 2023

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 · July 2023

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

SLJ · July 2023

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.

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

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