Fuses For Solar Panels: Series and Parallel Fusing

Hi, I'm Nick, and my mission is to make solar energy understandable for everyone. Today's video tackles the essential topic of fuses for solar panels, with a particular focus on the critical aspects of fusing a solar panel, whether in series or parallel. This guidance is vital whether you're planning to add solar panels to your home or vehicle, as correct fusing is key to both the efficiency and safety of your solar energy system.

In our comprehensive discussion, we'll explore:

- The Role of Fuses: Unveiling why fuses are indispensable in safeguarding your solar system, particularly the wiring. Understanding the max series fuse rating is crucial for protecting your panels and equipment.
- Series vs. Parallel Fusing: Insights into fusing solar panels in series, which is typically advantageous for systems utilizing MPPT charge controllers, versus the nuances of fusing solar panels in parallel, often associated with PWM charge controllers. We'll include a solar panel fuse diagram to illustrate these concepts clearly.
- Fuse Size Calculation: A detailed walkthrough on calculating the appropriate fuse size for your solar setup, incorporating real-life scenarios to help you grasp the practical application of these principles.
- Wire Size Considerations: How to select the right wire sizes for your solar system to minimize voltage drop, an aspect directly impacted by the fusing strategy and overall system design.

This video aims to dive deep into the process of fusing a solar array correctly to safeguard your investment and boost your system's performance. Whether your setup involves wiring in series, parallel, or a combination of both, I'm here to provide you with practical advice, backed by examples, to ensure your solar panels are fused appropriately.

[TexasRanger-bj]

This is VERY VERY helpful. You answered all the questions I have in mind. Now, I'm more comfortable doing my project. You have a new subscriber here. Keep adding more videos man. Thanks!

[Shaneson]

Love your videos this is a big help for me and you explain things real simple unlike the other guys

You also get straight straight to the point

I don’t like to reload my fridge all the time because I work outdoors. I have power tools like you that are battery power. So thank you.

Can I run a refrigerator

[FareFejzic]

Helpful explanation. I need instructions: How should I connect two solar panels that are on different sides of my mountain house of 450W each to a 12V 160Ah battery. Thank you very much

[loganreynolds]

Thank you for you video - I have 4 550 W panels, with the following specs. What configuration would you recommend ? 2S2P? For Fuse 1 and Fuse 2 (14.01 x 1.56 = 21.86) would a 30a inline fuse work?? And then for the Fuse 3 - what type of fuse should be used?? Is there any benefit of doing a 2P2S configuration?? thank you!
Series 1 & 2 = 100v and 14A = 100v 28A going to the charge controller.

VMP: 41.96
IMP:13.11
ISC:14.01
VOC:49.9

[bmbpdk]

A very nice and clear video, thank you!

[HelloKLW]

your video is very informative. thank you.

[johntheaccountant]

In your calculation 6.2A x 1.56 = 9.6A where did the 1.56 figure come from?
OK; the 1.56 is a safety factor but before you were using 1.25

[dougiee]

I like simple math and this video is it

[pasheatsi]

Thank you very much for clarifying this. I want to connect only two 200 watt panels in parallel to a portable power station (Ecoflow Delta 2 Max). Do I still need 3 fuses, or can I just use one for each panel?

[Khaztr]

if you're adding fuses on the positive line, doesn't that add some resistance, and therefore require you to add some extra wire on the negative side to equalize the resistance between both lines?

[qodaxdhuuni]

Thank you. What drawing program did you use?

[cleversolarpower]

Update: if you have a single series string no fuse is required. If you have multiple series strings, then a fuse is required.

[fujchi]

why did you use 6.2 amps in the calculations when the panels showed a rating of 5.8?

[JerryMartins-vhvc]

Good day, this safety factor 1.56 is it common/ constant to all countries ?.
How can we find this safety factor ??

[JohnDoe-pnqu]

where is the '1.56' in your formula ISC x 1.56 = minimum fuse size coming from? I ask because my solar panels have Isc 8.75A. So 8.75 x 1.56 = 13.65A minimum fuse size, but the panel indicates: 'max series fuse = 12A'.

[Torumees]

my isc A show 6.68, should i use 10A and 30A or i need to go 15 and 40?

[slrhp]

If the short circuit current is 13.58A; open circuit voltage is 38.95V with max fuse at 25A: For a 3S2P setup, 13.58A x 1.56 x 2 = 42.3A is that correct? Would I be able to get a 45A fuse?

[tembonemon]

Hi. Can i use a fuse and a dc circuit breaker at the same time

[FarqueKnowsWhere]

The 3 panels connected in series has an array amperage of 6.2, and a maximum series fuse rating of 15A, the array doesn’t need to be fused, the fuse won’t do anything.

[awesomedee]

Great summary. Is there a device to boost up voltage after the combiner so don't have to have such a thick cable, and then on the other side of the run bring the voltage back down?