Charger
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Charger
Charger
The charger is not mandatory but after reading a lot of info online I decided to add a seperate charger. The main advantage is that you can switch off the inverter and still charge the batteries. Specially during the winter months when the solar array only generates a few Kwh/day and the idle load of the inverter is > 1kwh/day the extra charger is very usefull. Often I switch the inverter off for a few days, slowly charge the batteries and once the tank is at 80% the inverter is switched on again. The charger model is the well known PCM60X. It can takes voltages up to 145V and generates 60A at 50V.
The cables from the combinerbox are 6mm solar cable. The MPPT converts the 100V to +50V and almost doubles the amperage. Make sure your cables are up to the job, mines are 25mm. Bonus tip: put some extra tin on the pre-tinned wires.
Infotainment
Infotainment
THe PCM60X has a small but usefull LCD screen. It shows the input voltage, total input power, battery voltage and current flowing to the batteries.
Install
Install
Attached to the wall with 4 screws. All cables are neatly in a cable tray. The UTP calbe is to configure the charger.
220V output from the inverter is lethal. Make sure to install an earth leakage and regular circuit breakers.
Bottom
Bottom
Wires from cable tray to the PCM60X. I don't use the remote sensor. Maximum PV input is 145V, for olders versions is was 105V. MPPT doesn't work above 115V.
Front
Front
Solid connectors. I tinned the stranded wires to have a solid connection. Solar wire is 6mm2, the cable towards battery & inverter is 25mm2
Configuration - welcome
Configuration - welcome
Once connected you have a view on the main parameters. Voltage, power, amperage, temperature, ... Builders who don't use an external charger find this menu in the inverter too.
Configuration - settings
Configuration - settings
Here we set the max. charging voltage and current. I might look odd but the chargers max. voltage settings is based on a 12V system. Mine is set to 14.35 which corresponds to (4 * 14.35)/14 = 4.1V cell. With losses max voltage never exceeds 4.08V.
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