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Howdy,
First time poster here. This is not my first foray into 12v solar but it's the first time using mismatched panels.
My RV came with a 300w Jamboni panel that retails for $750. In an effort to use that panel but double my wattage this is the most cost effective method I’ve come up with, can you confirm it will work? I’m also open to other ideas but this method would allow me to not remove the stock panel and also utilize stock wiring. I also don't understand what effect differing open circuit and short circuit current may have on the system.
The factory Jamboni 300w panel specs are as follows
300w
32.26v
9.3a
open circuit v 39.85
short circuit current 9.75
I’ve found “NewPowa” panels that have a pretty similar spec that are much cheaper - $175 each
160w
16.7v
9.3a
open circuit voltage 19.83
short circuit current 9.75
If I run two NewPowa 160w panels in series that would create
33.4v
9.3a
Then I could run those two that are in series, in parallel with the 300w Jamboni and my specs would be
32.26v
18.6a
= 600 watts, so I'm shorting myself 20 watts with the mismatched voltage but for the cost savings it's worth it. In the future I could continue to add strings of 160w panels in series (with larger wiring) if I needed a more robust system.
I want to replace the stock charge controller with a victron model as well. Their calculator is a little confusing, from the best I can tell they are recommending a 150/45 model for this system? Does it make sense to upsize a little?
This system will be used to replenish two SOK 206ah lithium batteries connected in parallel.
Thanks
Nick
First time poster here. This is not my first foray into 12v solar but it's the first time using mismatched panels.
My RV came with a 300w Jamboni panel that retails for $750. In an effort to use that panel but double my wattage this is the most cost effective method I’ve come up with, can you confirm it will work? I’m also open to other ideas but this method would allow me to not remove the stock panel and also utilize stock wiring. I also don't understand what effect differing open circuit and short circuit current may have on the system.
The factory Jamboni 300w panel specs are as follows
300w
32.26v
9.3a
open circuit v 39.85
short circuit current 9.75
I’ve found “NewPowa” panels that have a pretty similar spec that are much cheaper - $175 each
160w
16.7v
9.3a
open circuit voltage 19.83
short circuit current 9.75
If I run two NewPowa 160w panels in series that would create
33.4v
9.3a
Then I could run those two that are in series, in parallel with the 300w Jamboni and my specs would be
32.26v
18.6a
= 600 watts, so I'm shorting myself 20 watts with the mismatched voltage but for the cost savings it's worth it. In the future I could continue to add strings of 160w panels in series (with larger wiring) if I needed a more robust system.
I want to replace the stock charge controller with a victron model as well. Their calculator is a little confusing, from the best I can tell they are recommending a 150/45 model for this system? Does it make sense to upsize a little?
This system will be used to replenish two SOK 206ah lithium batteries connected in parallel.
Thanks
Nick
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