Auto Reset Type 1 Breaker Before Solar Controller?

[deminimis]

Howdy. I have a PWM controller (yea, I know). It's a 30 amp model. I going to add two additional panels which would take my max combined amps to 34-ish (let's just assume I will hit 34 amps and that will damage the controller). Any reason I couldn't put a 30 amp auto reset breaker before the controller for those rare times I'm generating 30+ amps? I realize hitting max output could be rare and short lived. A new 45amp mppt isn't really in the cards at this time. Thanks.

 

[IdaSHO]

Depending upon the resistance of the breaker, you may loose some efficiency, but a breaker should work fine to protect the controller.

What controller is it exactly?

 

[deminimis]

Thanks. It's the Go Power 30 PWM (their only one at present).

 

[LeishaShannon]

Just watch out for the trip time on the breaker... even a "30a breaker" might be 5 minutes @ 40A which could cause your controller some issues...

 

[deminimis]

I'm running a whole host of them on our buggy. They trip lickity split. This really is a case of an overabundance of caution. 270 watts of solar are installed on the level part of the roof (well, less maybe 5% of the 110 panel as it's approx 8 years old now). The future 320 watts of solar will be on the slight forward slope towards the front of the camper. Thus, when the sun is most ideal for the top panels, it will be slightly less ideal for the front ones, and vise versa. Also, unless the sun is directly overhead, there will be some amount of shadowing of the flat mounted panels dues to the huge AC assembly that lies between them. Thus, even in the most ideal conditions, I find it hard to image I'd pass the 30 amp limit, but, I suppose, it could happen. Better to be safe, I suspect. A 45 amp Morningstar would solve my concerns, but I need to start directing funds towards truck performance mods, and not another new controller (my current controller is near new and I have another still inteh box (which I ought to sell I suppose, but nice to have as a backup just in case). This is a simple $5 fix that comes with some peace of mind. Thanks again. This should explain what I'm talking about when it comes to shadowing, etc.