• Is this a good panel for the money?
• Is there a benefit to a mppt controller for these panels? Also what size do I need for of these panels?
• I am also going to be adding a 2000w psw inverter...
Grape solar has a reputation for making high quality panels and this is the same brand (albeit not the same model) that is sold by
AM Solar. Definitely a "good panel for the money"! Note that because these panels are poly-crystalline they are less efficient than Grape's mono-crystalline panels (16.8 vs. 20% efficient). This translates to a larger surface area per unit of power generated. Have you measured the available space on your roof to confirm that you can fit 4 of these?
FWIW, I have 2
Grape 100W mono-crystalline panels on my TC paired with a MorningStar SunSaver SS-MPPT-15L... they perform exactly as advertised in terms of voltage and power.
In terms of MPPT, it is my opinion that, as long as the solar panel's Vmpp is higher than your absorption charge voltage (>~14.5V), MPPT is always a "benefit". The real question is; Is it worth the significant additional cost to purchase a MPPT controller instead of a PWM one? Only your specific use scenario, preference, and your checkbook can answer that question. In most cases a lower cost, high quality PWM controller will serve your needs just fine. Given your comment about installing 4 of these panels, I suggest that you take a look at the
MorningStar ProStar PS-30 and TriStar TS-MPPT-45.
Please do a read through the archives here for ideas on the 2000W inverter selection… If you don't find the answers you're looking there, then I suggest that you start a new thread on that topic.
Cheers
-Mark
