Noob Question - Equal Number of Panels per String?

[tom3096]

Thanks for the info. As I mentioned, I currently have 3 additional panels of the same model that I wish to add to my 24 panel array (new total would be 27 panels). It looks as if I have some room to increase DC input. The max power generation I've ever seen from the array is approx. 3600w. Am I correct that I could feasibly increase DC input by up to 1200 additional watts?


My inverter specs are:

Fronius Model Number IG 4000
AC output 4000 watt
Max. DC Power (STC) 4800 W
Max DC Voltage 500 V
MPPT Voltage Range 150V - 450V
Max. Input Current 26.1 A
Inverter Efficiency 95.2%


My panel specs are:

- Kyocera 200GT (24 panels)
- Max power: 200w
- Max voltage: 26.3v
- Open circuit voltage: 32.9v
- Max power current: 7.61a
- Short circuit current: 8.21a

[bcroe]

Yes check inverter capacity. Does it go into clipping in good sun?

Here I have 12 panel strings, because more would produce too
much voltage for the inverter under some situations (open circuit
in very cold weather). You may have the same restriction, check
it out. If so, you could run 3 strings of 9 panels each. In good sun,
I would use a clamp on DC ammeter to compare the strings, to
assure you have not connected a weak panel in a string.

Bruce Roe

[SunEagle]

It really depends on if the inverter can handle the additional wattage or not. Usually there is a maximum allowed DC wattage for each input that is stated in the Specs for each inverter and what orientation each string is positioned to capture the sun.

[tom3096]

I have an older system with two strings of 12 200w panels each. I bought three used panels off a disassembled install that are the same model. I would like to connect to them to the existing system. Is it possible to connect one panel to existing string 1 and two panels to existing string 2? Thanks for any advice...