Solar Suitcase — One-Page Cut Sheet

Packing list, cable cuts, wiring diagram, and quick settings for the 400–800 W suitcase. Check it off, build it clean.

Packing List (tick what you packed)

Item Spec / Notes 400W 800W
“~200 W 24 V-class”, matched model ×2×4
24 V profile, 60 A, PV Voc max 100–150 V ×1×1
String fuses 15 A each string (if parallel) ×1
≥150 V DC, lockable preferred ×1×1
MC4 inline 15 A (per string as required) ×2
80 A ANL/Class-T near bus ×1×1
10 AWG PV wire + MC4s see cutssee cuts
6–4 AWG copper to bus (short runs) see cutssee cuts
Hinges, handle, tilt leg, glands, labels, fasteners
MC4 tool, crimper, heat-shrink, multimeter, step bit

Cable Cut List (fill, then cut)

RunGaugeLengthNotes
Panel A → Panel B series jumper (2S) 10 AWG PV ________ MC4 male→female
String home-run → Combiner 10 AWG PV ________ Per string (800 W only)
Combiner → PV Disconnect 10 AWG PV ________ Keep short; label polarity
PV Disconnect → MPPT PV+/PV− 10 AWG PV ________ Strain relief at entry
MPPT BAT+ → Fuse (near bus) 6–4 AWG ________ Ring lugs, torque to spec
Fuse → Station Bus+ 6–4 AWG ________ ≤3% drop target
MPPT BAT− → Station Bus− 6–4 AWG ________ Straight run

Voltage-drop sanity check: keep MPPT→bus runs short and size for ≤3% drop. Use Blue Sea charts or a calculator. Absorb ~28.4–28.8 V; Float ~27.0–27.6 V (or per your battery).

Wiring Diagram (topology)

[Panel A]+--MC4--.                     (If 2S2P)
                 +--[ Combiner ]-- 15A fuse/str --[ PV Disconnect ]--> MPPT PV+
[Panel B]+--MC4--'                                                   MPPT PV- <--

MPPT BAT+ -- 80A fuse --> Station Bus+        MPPT BAT- --------------> Station Bus-
      

Settings & Sequence

  • Battery type: LiFePO₄ (custom if needed)
  • Absorb: 28.4–28.8 V   •   Float: 27.0–27.6 V (or per maker)
  • Connect: Battery → MPPT first, then close PV disconnect
  • Shutdown: Open PV first, then battery if needed

Cold Voc Check (worksheet)

Keep string Voc (cold) below MPPT PV Voc max.

Panel Voc @ STC (V):________
|Temp coeff Voc| (%/°C):________
ΔT from 25°C (°C):________
Calc Voc_cold per panel = Voc × (1 + coeff×ΔT):________ V
Series count (Ns):________
String Voc_cold = panel Voc_cold × Ns:________ V
Controller PV Voc max:________ V

String Fusing Notes

  • Fuse each string when paralleling if back-feed can exceed module’s max series fuse rating.
  • Use MC4 inline 15 A (typical) or per module datasheet.
  • Place fuses in the combiner ahead of the disconnect.

Final Checks

Sticker spot / QR to full guide: _______________________________

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