Parallel or series parallel

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  • asdex
    Solar Fanatic
    • Nov 2013
    • 174

    Parallel or series parallel

    Hi, if I connect my new panels in parallel I get max outputs of around 40 amp and 45 volts.
    If I connect series/parallel I get 20 amps and 96 volts.
    My controller is rated max of 50 amps and 150 volts.
    Which option would be best. Its a 24 volt system.
    Cheers,
  • Mike90250
    Moderator
    • May 2009
    • 16020

    #2
    Using a PWN controller, I'd opt for panels in parallel. You might need to use 2 controllers, with half the panels on each controller. Gives you a bit of redundancy.

    Panels in series, I'd limit it to just two in series, a MPPT controller has to work harder to convert high PV voltage to lower battery voltage.

    Do you know what kind of controller you have ?
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

    Comment

    • asdex
      Solar Fanatic
      • Nov 2013
      • 174

      #3
      Thanks, yes it's an Epever Tracer 5415AN

      Comment

      • Mike90250
        Moderator
        • May 2009
        • 16020

        #4
        Originally posted by asdex
        Thanks, yes it's an Epever Tracer 5415AN
        Is that a PWM or a MPPT controller ?
        Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
        || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
        || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

        solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
        gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

        Comment

        • asdex
          Solar Fanatic
          • Nov 2013
          • 174

          #5
          It's a Mppt controller.

          Comment

          • Mike90250
            Moderator
            • May 2009
            • 16020

            #6
            OK, if it's MPPT, you want to run just 2 panels in series. How many panels do you have ? The controller should limit itself to 50A, and if you have 55A available, it should be able to handle a
            small amount of overpaneling without a problem.
            Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
            || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
            || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

            solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
            gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

            Comment

            • asdex
              Solar Fanatic
              • Nov 2013
              • 174

              #7
              I have four 360 watt panels. Max o/c voltage 47.4v. Max current 9.24A.
              Thanks

              Comment

              • Mike90250
                Moderator
                • May 2009
                • 16020

                #8
                1440w of panels, derate 20% = 1152 realistic watts @ 26V = 44.3A expected output under reasonable conditions.

                2 panels in series, and paralleled with the pair of panels in series, is likely your best bet
                Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
                || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
                || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

                solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
                gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

                Comment

                • asdex
                  Solar Fanatic
                  • Nov 2013
                  • 174

                  #9
                  Great, thanks very much.

                  Comment

                  • asdex
                    Solar Fanatic
                    • Nov 2013
                    • 174

                    #10
                    So would be the controller input be 96 volts and 20 amps? So two panels in series 47.4v x 2 in both sets of panels in series and 9.24A x 2 for the panels in parallel.

                    Comment

                    • Mike90250
                      Moderator
                      • May 2009
                      • 16020

                      #11
                      Originally posted by asdex
                      So would be the controller input be 96 volts and 20 amps? So two panels in series 47.4v x 2 in both sets of panels in series and 9.24A x 2 for the panels in parallel.
                      Yes. MPPT chargers are rated at output amps ( you said yours was 50A )
                      Powerfab top of pole PV mount (2) | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
                      || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
                      || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

                      solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
                      gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister

                      Comment

                      • asdex
                        Solar Fanatic
                        • Nov 2013
                        • 174

                        #12
                        Great, I Didn't know that.
                        Thanks

                        Comment

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