(2) 12V Solar Panels....Series or Parallel?
I have (2) 140w 12V panels. The Bogart Engineering solar controller can operate on 12V or 24V input. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to wiring the panels in series for 24V rather than parallel ...
Forum Discussion
Forget the 24 volts, as that is the system voltage. Yours is a 12 volt system.
As far as the input voltage from the panels, it will be somewhat more than 12 volts even if you stay in parallel. (look at v specs on back of panels) Its the controllers job to limit those volts to what your batteries need (very debatable) If you connect the panels in series, you would very like over do the volt specs on the controller. You would need a MPPT type controller that is designed for higher volts.
But, if shading will be common for you, I would for sure stay w/ low voltage PWM anyway.
As far as the input voltage from the panels, it will be somewhat more than 12 volts even if you stay in parallel. (look at v specs on back of panels) Its the controllers job to limit those volts to what your batteries need (very debatable) If you connect the panels in series, you would very like over do the volt specs on the controller. You would need a MPPT type controller that is designed for higher volts.
But, if shading will be common for you, I would for sure stay w/ low voltage PWM anyway.
