Connecting different size solar panels

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  • Outdoorsman
    Junior Member
    • Mar 2012
    • 11

    Connecting different size solar panels

    If I have a 100 watt and a 60 watt solar panel and hook them in parallel should I get 160 watts or just over 60 watts? If it is just over 60 watts why is this?

    Thanks
  • Sunking
    Solar Fanatic
    • Feb 2010
    • 23301

    #2
    Omly if their Vmp is matched.
    MSEE, PE

    Comment

    • Outdoorsman
      Junior Member
      • Mar 2012
      • 11

      #3
      So if they are both 12 volts then I should get 160 Watts?

      Comment

      • Sunking
        Solar Fanatic
        • Feb 2010
        • 23301

        #4
        Originally posted by Outdoorsman
        So if they are both 12 volts then I should get 160 Watts?
        No you have not answered the question. 12 volt panels Vmp is 15 to 19 volts. Look at the specs for Vmp. If the Vmp is within say .5 volts, then yes they will add to approx spec power rating. The lower voltage panel will dictate what happens.

        Look at the Vmp and Imp of both panels.

        If the 100 panel is says the Vmp = 18 volts and Imp = 5.55 amps, and the 60 watt panel Vmp is 16 volts and Imp = 3.75 amps your array will be 16 volts @ 9.26 amps = 148 watts.

        If you use a PWM controller the output to the batteries will be 111 watts.
        MSEE, PE

        Comment

        • porrascarlos80
          Junior Member
          • Feb 2014
          • 23

          #5
          Home made panel + Renogy 100watts

          I recently bought a solar panel brand: renogy:
          Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp):
          18.9 V
          Optimum Operating Current (Imp):
          5.29 A
          Open - Circuit Voltage (Voc):
          22.5 V
          Short- Circuit Current (Isc):
          5,75 A
          Maximum Power at STC:
          100 W
          Operating Module Temperature:
          -40°C to + 90°C
          Maximum System Voltage:
          715 VDC
          Maximum Series Fuse Rating:
          15A

          I have connected my stuff like this:

          Solar panel (measures 19.7v DC) ---> China MPPT30 charge controller panel terminals awg12 cable--->Panel Battery Terminals to 1 12VDC Car Battery (still holds charge) --->from battery terminals 500W off-grid inverter 12vDC/120VAC.

          Charge controller tells me this:
          PV A --->4.5
          PV V--->13.8
          temperature 22c
          Battery volts 12.2 62%

          When I connect my home made panel (13.3 -18volts DC) in parallel to the renogy , charge controller will show as maximun: PV A: 3.5

          I would expect more Amps when they are in parallel, what could be happening here?

          Comment

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