36v to 2 18v conversion?

[skipparks]

I have a couple of Trina TSM-180D models 72 cells each, and in would like to make each panel into 2 - 18v outputs. As they are setup now (default from factory) they output either 36v, or 3 outputs of 13.7v or 2 outputs of 27v from the 4 ribbons in the connector box on the back of the panels. There 6 rows of 12 cells in 3 strings of 24 cells. My question if I cut the bottom foil to separate the middle row of 24 into 2 rows of 12 cells, will that give me the 18v and 18v I am looking to get from the panels. I am asking first so I don't mess up the panels, if this idea is not possible.
BTW: I am new to photo voltaics if you can't tell.
TIA for any info.


Trina TSM-180D
Peak power 180 Watts
Peak power voltage 36.8 Volts
Peak power current 4.90 Amps
Open circuit voltage 44.2 Volts
Short circuit current 5.40 Amps
Max. system voltage 600 Volts

[Mike90250]

I would be loath to cut up working panels, and void the warranty.

Why not get a MPPT controller, like the Rogue http://www.roguepowertech.com/ and let it downconvert for you ?

[inetdog]

I have a couple of Trina TSM-180D models 72 cells each, and in would like to make each panel into 2 - 18v outputs. As they are setup now (default from factory) they output either 36v, or 3 outputs of 13.7v or 2 outputs of 27v from the 4 ribbons in the connector box on the back of the panels. There 6 rows of 12 cells in 3 strings of 24 cells. My question if I cut the bottom foil to separate the middle row of 24 into 2 rows of 12 cells, will that give me the 18v and 18v I am looking to get from the panels. I am asking first so I don't mess up the panels, if this idea is not possible.
BTW: I am new to photo voltaics if you can't tell.
TIA for any info.


Trina TSM-180D
Peak power 180 Watts
Peak power voltage 36.8 Volts
Peak power current 4.90 Amps
Open circuit voltage 44.2 Volts
Short circuit current 5.40 Amps
Max. system voltage 600 Volts

By using the foil terminals where the bypass diodes are connected you can get one 36 volt circuit, or three 12 volt circuits wired in series. There are two sets of terminals that give you a 24 volt difference, but you cannot use them at the same time since they share part of the set of cells.

If you have a use for 18 volts, I would worry about breaking the seal of the panel and not being able to properly reseal.
I would not do it myself.

[skipparks]

Thank you both for the advice, I do believe I will go with the mppt charge controller rather than open the panel, I have some old Shell Solar panels that allow for either 12v or 6v connections and was hoping that the Trina would allow for this action of spliting the voltage.