SJ-Chris wrote:
I'm not sure you can draw any series vs parallel conclusions from your two systems that are using different panels and perhaps different wiring (or distances) and perhaps different solar charge controllers. Too many variables?
On a separate (related?) note....I solve most of these "inefficient panels", "Series vs Parallel", "MPPT vs PWM", "wire sizing", "tilt vs no-tilt", etc issues with ONE SIMPLE FIX: Just put up 50% or 100% more panels than you actually need and you will be fine! (...and since I like to use very inexpensive used panels (tested) the panels are next to nothing when factoring the expense of everything else and my time to do the install). On my 500w installs, I really only wanted/needed 200-250w but I found 250w used panels for $35 each so I put up two (500w) for each of those solar installs. I think this is a easy solution for most weekend warriors who boondock less than 15 days per year. For those serious (or full-time) boondockers witih serious power needs, yes they want to be more accurate.
Happy Camping!
Chris
exactly, my whole point was that if you can you should go with a 24v MPPT setup as it is much more efficient than the 12V PWM set up. and that series will start charging ealier and charge laiter , when we were talking about actual numbers it should have said the same set each way would get you a bit more in the morning and the evening. but the difference between my two set ups is different where you have 325 watt 24v panel putting out a substancial amount more than 480 watts of 12V. so it might have got a bit confusing and I apoligize for that.
cheep used panels are not available up here. I think there is a guy that keeps advertizing 250 watt panels for 180.00 but I can buy a brand new 325W to 360W for 200.00 to 230.00, I do envy your solar pricing down there.
Steve
