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MPPT Volts vs. Amps upon initial PV Array Config

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  • MPPT Volts vs. Amps upon initial PV Array Config

    I have had off grid solar for several years, things are going pretty well.
    I recently added 2 additional 12v 100w Mono panels to my array. Now I have 6 panels. My controller is a EPEver MPPT controller.
    Presently, I have my panels in series so I am getting about 120v on open circuit and the controller does just fine. The controller's max voltage is 150.

    I am wondering if I am best served keeping the voltage as high as possible or if I am better off going with a 3Sx2P or even 2Sx3P. I am thinking that the highest voltage is probably best but wondering what others think.

    Doubt his has much bearing on it but I live in South Central Alaska so from late October to late February the solar output is minimal. I doubt anything will overcome that issue....

    Thanks

  • #2
    Depends on your battery bank voltage but given the potential cold temps I would go down to 3s2p to keep from overvolting your controller during a bright cold Alaska morning.
    2.2kw Suntech mono, Classic 200, NEW Trace SW4024

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    • #3
      Generally, the MPPT controller wants to see 1.5x battery voltage, for the most efficient downconversion. But, if you have a long cable run from PV to controller, you want higher voltage to get less loss in the expensive copper cable. So it's your call as long as you don't over volt the controller with a high Voc some bright cold morning
      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

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      • #4
        If there are any shading issues, 3s2p may also work better.

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        • #5
          Thanks to all for the quick responses. I had completely forgotten about the cold allowing for higher voltage on the PV.
          3sx2p it is. Thanks again and happy harvesting.

          Glenn

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