Greetings, I have an APT Power Center that has a 35Amp breaker between my solar array and my external charge controller. My charge controller is rated at 50Amps. (Blue Sky Solar Boost 50) We are off grid.
My problem is that when I run a heavy load, like my dish washer, and then my water pressure pump kicks in simultaneously, the 35 Amp breaker "sometimes" trips. Then my dishwasher is using 100% power from my batteries and it pulls them down faster than you can read this post. If the breaker does not trip, then my dishes are clean 45 min later and I get to stay married. : ) I think the breaker trips because my charge controller is passing 49.5 Amps in full sun, and I think the breaker just decides to surrender after a while as it should.
My APT PC is rated to 35 Amps (or at least that is whet the built in charge controller is rated for, that I am not using.) From reading this thread at outback...
http://www.outbackpower.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2141
... I believe I can swap out the 35AMP breaker between my array and the charge controller with a 50 AMP breaker and my problem will be solved.??
Do you agree with this conclusion? Or am I missing some key data here?
Here is a shot of the APT.
http://stevenshane.com/solar/apt.jpg
Mine is identical except it is rated for 35Amps.
I can not call the manufacturer because APT has left the building, and besides I trust you guys before anyone else. This forum is invaluable!!
As always, thanks for your help and let me know if you need any more data.
- Steve
Moved to the proper section.