solar question

[N.W.Gypsies]

Hi all I was wondering how many think it is better to wire pannels in series or parrell when use mppt controller also if you have it one way or the other thanks

[Ed-Sommers]

for assurance of getting the most from your panels I would say, in general, wire for 24 volts in a 12 volt system, and 60 volts in a 24 volt system. There is some indication that using a higher voltage than your batt voltage gives you the most from your MPPT unit, but only in discharge of more than 15 to 20 percent, other wise not much improvement.

Ed

[Midniteoyl]

I think thats more 36v for 12v system... You need enough capacity in the system so you can charge even on more cloudy days...

[Ed-Sommers]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midniteoyl I think thats more 36v for 12v system... You need enough capacity in the system so you can charge even on more cloudy days...

Thar has nothing to do with a cloudy day!

Ed

[HandyBob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by N.W.Gypsies Hi all I was wondering how many think it is better to wire pannels in series or parrell when use mppt controller also if you have it one way or the other thanks

Be careful with that. Shadows are a big problem and when you shadow one panel in series with another, you can lose the power from both. Then we need to start thinking about the danger of high voltage DC vs 12V. 24V, no problem, but higher?? As somebody else said, series wiring does nothing to help on cloudy days. Kind of like putting a wind generator up when there is no wind. You need energy hitting the panels to get energy out the other side. MPPT does not do a thing if the panels are not producing voltage.

[CA Traveler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by N.W.Gypsies Hi all I was wondering how many think it is better to wire pannels in series or parrell when use mppt controller also if you have it one way or the other thanks

RVs park in different directions and have antenna, ACs etc that cast shadows. That in general would favor parallel panels.

Shadows from trees etc could also be a factor.

[KJINTF]

It depends
Both ways have advantages and drawbacks
Each install is unique
Need specific info on your installation before we can say one way is better than the other