Hi guys, I used this forum years ago in setting up my solar system. Much appreciation. I have very happy with how it is working I have 8x128 watt panels(24volt each) arranged in a 48 volt 1028 watts system. I use 4 walmart marine batteries and ebay chinese inverter and mppt. Sorry if I am stepping on some toes here, but I have been succesful with this sytem and do recommend the unisolar panels I have been using, as well as the mppt and walmart batteries. The whole system was created for ~ $1400 with patient shopping.
Now I had 4x68 watt unisolar panels on my van which I removed and wish to add to my existing system without changing anything else. I live in Oregon and in the winter I could use the extra power to keep the batteries topped off. The 2x128watt array tested at 82V while the 4x68watt array tested at 76V. Now I have read this: Mixing solar panels with different electrical characteristics is not recommended if you use an MPPT charge controller. Different wattages make impossible for the controller to find the optimal operating voltage and current, since they are different for each panel type.
Is this true?
I don't mind the small loss in power when my 4x68 brings down the voltage slightly...that is as long as I am not damaging the panels or decreasing their lifespan...but if the mppt (which can accept the current) won't adjust itself propertly then I will go ahead and get another inverter. Thanks in advance for any insights you can share
Here are the panel specs from a screenshot:
Screenshot - 07082017 - 01:09:41 PM.png
Now I had 4x68 watt unisolar panels on my van which I removed and wish to add to my existing system without changing anything else. I live in Oregon and in the winter I could use the extra power to keep the batteries topped off. The 2x128watt array tested at 82V while the 4x68watt array tested at 76V. Now I have read this: Mixing solar panels with different electrical characteristics is not recommended if you use an MPPT charge controller. Different wattages make impossible for the controller to find the optimal operating voltage and current, since they are different for each panel type.
Is this true?
I don't mind the small loss in power when my 4x68 brings down the voltage slightly...that is as long as I am not damaging the panels or decreasing their lifespan...but if the mppt (which can accept the current) won't adjust itself propertly then I will go ahead and get another inverter. Thanks in advance for any insights you can share
Here are the panel specs from a screenshot:
Screenshot - 07082017 - 01:09:41 PM.png
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