I have a 12 VDC bilge pump (rated for 2.5 amps) in a bucket wired to a 20-watt, 17 volt 1.16 amp solar PV module to demonstrate solar PV water pumping applications. I will set up a similar system with two modules wired in series, and two modules wired in parallel. On each system a Craftsman AC/DC Clamp-on Ammeter is used to measure the current so students may observe the effect of wiring modules in series, and wiring in parallel. The question is, when solar irradience level is high enough (and in southern AZ we can exceed 1000 w/m2), if we exceed 2.5 amps (no inline fuse installed), are we risking damage to the pump (load), or damaging the conductors, or both?
Thank you for your assistance.
Ed
Thank you for your assistance.
Ed