We installed six 100-watt solar panels on our boat -- they are all the same: VMP = 18.35 volts; IMP = 5.44 amps; short-circuit amps = 5.65 amps. When I test the panels, they seem fine -- I get over 20 volts and the short-circuit amps match the specs.
However, I when I hook the panels up to the boat’s system, the output current seems rather low. I never seem to get more than 3 amps from each panel (performance is consistent from one panel to the next). At first I hooked them up directly to boat’s system. Now also I’ve installed Victron Bluesolar MPPT controllers, but this doesn’t make much difference.
In the past we’ve had six 100-watt flexible solar panels and at times they delivered as many as 30 amps and 20 amps wasn’t unusual. With these new 100-watt panels, the most I’ve seen is 18 amps and generally it’s maybe around 15 amps.
What do you think is going on here? Thanks in advance.
However, I when I hook the panels up to the boat’s system, the output current seems rather low. I never seem to get more than 3 amps from each panel (performance is consistent from one panel to the next). At first I hooked them up directly to boat’s system. Now also I’ve installed Victron Bluesolar MPPT controllers, but this doesn’t make much difference.
In the past we’ve had six 100-watt flexible solar panels and at times they delivered as many as 30 amps and 20 amps wasn’t unusual. With these new 100-watt panels, the most I’ve seen is 18 amps and generally it’s maybe around 15 amps.
What do you think is going on here? Thanks in advance.
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