Looking for wiring tips

[SunEagle]

Yes, I understand that and asked about it in another comment. There is no data to show what the output is of the panels so really just kind of guessing that it's between 7 to 9amps.
If 7, I could put only 2 panels per string since the fuses are only 15 amps per input but that's pushing the fuse a little. That said, I don't know what the chances are of ever hitting that maximum amperage output anyhow. If I did three panel strings, it would blow the fuse IF it ever actually got to 15 amps. So maybe it's a trial and error thing. Worse comes to worse, I have to get a higher rated combiner to handle three panels.

This is all based on the input I've received so far and my understanding of how this has to work.

Well the panel manufacturer is required to post the Imp and Vmp on the back of each panel. That information should help you determine the amount of voltage and current the panels can generate under the best conditions.

[DanS26]

Post the inverter and specs that you plan to use with this setup.

[LeeLewis]

Yes, I understand that and asked about it in another comment. There is no data to show what the output is of the panels so really just kind of guessing that it's between 7 to 9amps.
If 7, I could put only 2 panels per string since the fuses are only 15 amps per input but that's pushing the fuse a little. That said, I don't know what the chances are of ever hitting that maximum amperage output anyhow. If I did three panel strings, it would blow the fuse IF it ever actually got to 15 amps. So maybe it's a trial and error thing. Worse comes to worse, I have to get a higher rated combiner to handle three panels.

This is all based on the input I've received so far and my understanding of how this has to work.

[SunEagle]

I don't want to use series, I want three panel parallel strings to the combiner so that shading is less of an issue. You're right, I did it again LOL. I'm not very good with this diagram problem so I keep losing track of what I'm doing as I fight with it. Here is another version, this time, showing only one string of three panels wired in parallel to the combiner. Imagine of course, additional strings to the combiner. I upgraded the combiner to six inputs.

At this point, I'm thinking of the setup in this way.
Panels to combiner. Combiner to inverter. AC output to the house where I'd use the AC to charge batteries rather than the usual way such as using an inverter/device that would charge/maintain the batteries etc.

solar-parallel.png

I understand your desire to not lose power due to shading but I also thought you wanted to save money by not having a large wire between the combiner and inverter. Wiring the panels in parallel increases the amount of amps and the wire size.

[LeeLewis]

I don't want to use series, I want three panel parallel strings to the combiner so that shading is less of an issue. You're right, I did it again LOL. I'm not very good with this diagram problem so I keep losing track of what I'm doing as I fight with it. Here is another version, this time, showing only one string of three panels wired in parallel to the combiner. Imagine of course, additional strings to the combiner. I upgraded the combiner to six inputs.

At this point, I'm thinking of the setup in this way.
Panels to combiner. Combiner to inverter. AC output to the house where I'd use the AC to charge batteries rather than the usual way such as using an inverter/device that would charge/maintain the batteries etc.

solar-parallel.png

[DanS26]

The Daisy Chain and the Leapfrog method are both "series" wiring methods. Your new diagram is not clear on which series method you will use. The combiner box creates the parallel for the three arrays.

[LeeLewis]

I've updated the diagram. Maybe this isn't that complicated now.
I can buy a large outdoor box to house combiners, inverters, etc, then use AC wiring to get into the house from the canopy.
I mainly have to figure out what amperage I'm looking at per string since my calculation was obviously wrong.

[LeeLewis]

Oh, I accidentally drew that after I messed up my first try. I'll update that to show it being parallel. I'd like to have strings of 3 panels because of the way the canopy is installed. That would be the best method for me in terms of shade problems. I'll update that and upload it as soon as I can.

[DanS26]

Your diagram shows the Daisy chain method......but you might want to look into using the Leapfrog method for wiring up the panels.........

https://www.winaico.com.au/solar-wiring-techniques

[LeeLewis]

Ah, yes, I'm following now. It's because I mentioned I don't already have an inverter so my choices are flexible.

For example, if the voltages of four panels are as follows: 18VDC, 25VDC, 30VDC, and 37VDC, the total voltage when wired in series would be:
18VDC + 25VDC + 30VDC + 37VDC = 110VDC

The only concern is shading issues but maybe I have to take what I can get. That's why I wanted to do strings of three panels.
I suppose inverters are able to handle fluctuations of input voltage while still being able to convert that to usable battery charging or even charging and AC.
I have to look into inverters or solar charge controllers now I suppose.

[SunEagle]

I'm sorry, there is something I am obviously not understanding.

I thought we said that each panel could put out between 7-9 amps. The combiner has four 15 amp inputs and one 50 amp output breaker.

When panels are wired in series then your voltage is added up and increases but the amp total is the average of the panels. So with 4 panels of the same amperage (say 7-9 A each) the total amps of those 4 wired in series is still only (7-9 amps).

[LeeLewis]

I'm sorry, there is something I am obviously not understanding.

I thought we said that each panel could put out between 7-9 amps. The combiner has four 15 amp inputs and one 50 amp output breaker.

[bcroe]

You can connect up to 4 series STRINGS of panels, each might run 8-10A,
15A fuse. Bruce Roe

[LeeLewis]

Maybe I'm not explaining correctly as I don't know all the terminology.
I read that sometimes, a string might mean one panel and another time, a string means multiple panels connected together in series or in parallel.

I bought this combiner; https://www.amazon.com/PowGrow-Combi...dp/B09BT91PHN/

My thought was to connect three panels in parallel per input and there are four. Because I thought the panels, strung together would be around 3 amps, those inputs were more than enough.
Now that we're saying each panel might carry 7-9 amps, I could only be able to connect one panel per input so a total of four panels into this combiner.
Or, I could push it a little and connect two panels in series per input and with the shading I get, might never hit the 15 amp fuse limit per input.

[bcroe]

Lots of combiners expect you to put an 8A panel string on each of
the fuse positions you mount. The fuse can act as a switch, except
do not open it under any current. I use a dual channel combiner
for near 50A total. Bruce Roe
CombAug18.JPG