CSLB C-46 Solar ContractorPhotovoltaic System InstallationEasy
A solar installer is connecting a charge controller to a battery bank for an off-grid PV system. The battery bank consists of four 12V batteries connected in series. The charge controller is rated for a maximum input voltage of 150V and a maximum charge current of 60A. What is the total nominal voltage of the battery bank?
- A48V
- B24V
- C12V
- D60V
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 48V
When batteries are connected in series, their voltages add up while the current capacity (Ah) remains the same. Four 12V batteries in series result in a total nominal voltage of 4 * 12V = 48V.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This would be the voltage of two 12V batteries in series.
- C. This would be the voltage of a single battery, not the series bank.
- D. This is incorrect and does not reflect standard battery configurations.
Series Battery Connection
Connecting batteries positive-to-negative to increase the total system voltage while maintaining the same amp-hour capacity.
- Total voltage = sum of individual battery voltages.
- Total amp-hours = amp-hours of a single battery.
- All batteries must have the same voltage and capacity.
Memory trick: Series for Voltage, Parallel for Amps, always remember the 'V' and 'A' maps!