New 2 panel solar array questions...

[SunEagle]

So in my configuration it would be better to connect the panels in parallel vs. series?

1. Thank you for clarifying
2. I am using 12v deepcycle drycell batteries. so i guess i will be putting these in parallel ?

Do you also understand that using those 2 x 260watt high voltage (30vdc) panels with a PWM charge controller you are really only getting about 211 watts charging your batteries?

A PWM CC is Amps in = Amps out. So with 17.6amps in x 12volts will get you about 211 watts of charging capacity.

Now a MPPT CC is Watts in = Watts out. So you are now getting almost 100% of that 520 watts to charge your battery.

[daonlyillwiz]

0. "520W and 17.6A". That would be a Vmp of 30V.
Putting those panels in series to produce 30V will not increase the charging current to the battery by even a fraction of an amp above what you get from one panel, and will most likely burn out your CC. With those panels in series you have to use an MPPT CC.
With them in parallel, you will lose some of the panel power anyway and 15V is on the low side to work with a CC to charge lead acid batteries.
1. Connect the inverter directly to the battery terminals or bus bar. The LOAD connection on the CC is not meant to handle that high current.
2. Since you have not specified what kind of batteries you want to use, it is hard to answer that question. But if you have a choice between putting several lower voltage batteries in series to get 12V or putting several 12V batteries in parallel to get the capacity you want, choose the series connection every time.

So in my configuration it would be better to connect the panels in parallel vs. series?

1. Thank you for clarifying
2. I am using 12v deepcycle drycell batteries. so i guess i will be putting these in parallel ?

[inetdog]

Hi i just purchased 2 x 260W 8.8A LG solar panels that i plan on using with a battery bank of 4 batteries. Now i dont have much experience with this since i come from a computer/IT and an automotive/mechanical background.

I will be connecting the two panels in series thus generating 520W and 17.6A. I am buying a PWM 30A charge controller that supports up to 650W. Now my questions are as follows:
1: The charge controller has 3 ports (2 for the panel +/- , 2 for the battery +/-, and 2 for DC stuff +/-). I am confused about where i should hook the inverter up. Should the inverter be connected to the batteries or to the third port on the charge controller for DC stuff?

2: what would be my ideal configuration for the batteries ? a series or parallel connection? I am only going to power a couple outside lights in my backyard and charging my motorcycle over the winter...

0. "520W and 17.6A". That would be a Vmp of 30V.
Putting those panels in series to produce 30V will not increase the charging current to the battery by even a fraction of an amp above what you get from one panel, and will most likely burn out your CC. With those panels in series you have to use an MPPT CC.
With them in parallel, you will lose some of the panel power anyway and 15V is on the low side to work with a CC to charge lead acid batteries.
1. Connect the inverter directly to the battery terminals or bus bar. The LOAD connection on the CC is not meant to handle that high current.
2. Since you have not specified what kind of batteries you want to use, it is hard to answer that question. But if you have a choice between putting several lower voltage batteries in series to get 12V or putting several 12V batteries in parallel to get the capacity you want, choose the series connection every time.

[daonlyillwiz]

Hi i just purchased 2 x 260W 8.8A LG solar panels that i plan on using with a battery bank of 4 batteries. Now i dont have much experience with this since i come from a computer/IT and an automotive/mechanical background.

I will be connecting the two panels in series thus generating 520W and 17.6A. I am buying a PWM 30A charge controller that supports up to 650W. Now my questions are as follows:
1: The charge controller has 3 ports (2 for the panel +/- , 2 for the battery +/-, and 2 for DC stuff +/-). I am confused about where i should hook the inverter up. Should the inverter be connected to the batteries or to the third port on the charge controller for DC stuff?

2: what would be my ideal configuration for the batteries ? a series or parallel connection? I am only going to power a couple outside lights in my backyard and charging my motorcycle over the winter...