2 panel Array for use with batteries.

[daonlyillwiz]

Hi i just mounted 2 x 260W 8.8A LG solar panels that i plan on using with a battery bank of 2 batteries.

Details:
I purchased the following from my local Electrical Supply Store:
1 Morningstar TS-45 TriStar 45 Amp Charge Controller 12-48V PWM
1 BESTEK 1000w/1200w 12v to 110v Inverter

I will be using 2x Vmaxtanks AGM Deep Cycle 12v 125ah SLA rechargeable Batteries

The panels will be connected in Series and the batteries will be connected in parallel. I would like to confirm that this configuration will be safe for everything involved (panels/batteries/charger/controller).

Please advise...thanks..

[sensij]

What are you trying to power?

[daonlyillwiz]

My shed, im putting a 9.5W LED light bulb in the shed, charging a motorcycle via trickle charger, and eventually outside lights for the backyard (wont be much). The main purpose for this setup now is the light in the shed and charging the motorcycle...

[daonlyillwiz]

Would it be more beneficial to put the panels in parallel instead of series since im using a PWM charge controller?

OR should i return that and purchase http://www.morningstarcorp.com/products/tristar-mppt/ instead?

[sensij]

Wait, I just read your other thread. The recommendation from others was to get an MPPT controller. You saved a couple hundred and got a PWM instead. Now, with the configuration you're suggesting, you've turned your 520 W of panels into 12V * 17.6 amp = 211 W. Is that what you meant to do?

[sensij]

Yes. Return the PWM, buy the MPPT. Put the panels in series. No comment on the batteries and inverter. Others with more knowledge may have advice.

[daonlyillwiz]

I want to maximize my wattage, so as stated in my other thread i am going to get the MPPT controller in order to do so. Again I will be hooking the panels in SERIES in order to accomplish this with an MPPT controller.

I am Not going to lie, i purchased the PWM model accidentally I meant to get the MPPT lol...

Need some input regarding inverter/battery...i want to confirm that this will be enough because im connecting everything this weekend (if i can get the MPPT controller in time)

[Mike90250]

I want to maximize my wattage, so as stated in my other thread i am going to get the MPPT controller in order to do so. Again I will be hooking the panels in SERIES in order to accomplish this with an MPPT controller.

I am Not going to lie, i purchased the PWM model accidentally I meant to get the MPPT lol...

Need some input regarding inverter/battery...i want to confirm that this will be enough because im connecting everything this weekend (if i can get the MPPT controller in time)

Without knowing what your loads are, I cannot advise you further. BUT. I will state that the inverter you got, will be too large and waste a lot of power even at idle. I'd expect it to consume 100watts just sitting there turned on, no loads..
I'd suggest if you are only running a trickle charger daytimes, that you look at the Morningstar Suresine 300 inverter. It is very power efficient, but it does cost some serious money ($250 or so) It's not going to fail like the $75 1,000 one will. And it won't fry your electronics like a mod-sine inverter will.