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JiminDenver's avatar
JiminDenver
Explorer II
May 17, 2015

Interest in mismatched panel test?

Ever since I got my first set of mismatched panels, seeing then react to different conditions convinced me they would interfere with a MPPT controllers ability to track. With the TS-MPPT-60 I could log a series of test with the three different panels I have, 220w mono, 230w poly and 250w poly. They will have to be in series, I don't have the branch connectors or wire for parallel yet.

It wont be tomorrow, I was lucky to have the sun for a few simulated flat mounted test today before the weather came up. I'd need a few days of nice clear sky between 11:00 and 1:00 for the test. Start with a individual log for each panel as a basis. Then a log of the mono paired with each poly, the poly with the other poly and all three in series. Each log can have just about any info needed and is easily turned into charts.

Any interest or boring?

37 Replies

  • JiminDenver's avatar
    JiminDenver
    Explorer II
    Jun 02, 2015
    BLF is like me. there are formulas, theories, and what happens when you actually push the button.

    As far as the systems, one loses something here while the other loses something there. It's easier to over build than worry. It will be nice to know where my 3 amps went if we ever do see a heat wave.
  • BFL13's avatar
    BFL13
    Explorer II
    Jun 02, 2015
    westend wrote:
    JiminDenver wrote:
    Thanks West.

    I wanted to make sure I got the parallel test done as I knew you were adding to your system. Another 230w poly will be fine. Can you stack the SS 15a MPPT or will you go for a larger controller.

    TBDT
    If I keep looking at BFL's testing. I may have to sell it all and go to 12V modules.:W


    You are saved! Check out my UPDATE today on the 60 cell thing :)
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2015
    JiminDenver wrote:
    Thanks West.

    I wanted to make sure I got the parallel test done as I knew you were adding to your system. Another 230w poly will be fine. Can you stack the SS 15a MPPT or will you go for a larger controller.

    TBDT
    If I keep looking at BFL's testing. I may have to sell it all and go to 12V modules.:W
  • JiminDenver's avatar
    JiminDenver
    Explorer II
    Jun 01, 2015
    On the little A/C. yesterday it was hot and clear for the better part, so I stuck the A/C in a window here at the house, put the panels in the drive and let em rip. That ran from 10 am till 3 pm when it clouded up and I turned on the house A/C. That decided it wasn't going to run so I plugged the little one in to the wall until I found out what was up with the big one a hour later. Thankfully it was just a loose wire on the furnace control board.

    So after spending the time to work out the concept, components and spending way to much money to upgrade, I can happily say it works. It'll keep working here at the house too until I get the panels up on the trailer.
  • JiminDenver's avatar
    JiminDenver
    Explorer II
    Jun 01, 2015
    Thanks West.

    I wanted to make sure I got the parallel test done as I knew you were adding to your system. Another 230w poly will be fine. Can you stack the SS 15a MPPT or will you go for a larger controller.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2015
    Hey Jim,
    Thanks for your efforts with the testing. It tends to prove out some of my assumptions. The anomalies with the Tristar is puzzling, maybe the components that are controlled by the algorithm are going askew. As it is, your parallel setup should work great. Looking forward to how the window A/C unit works out for you, too.
  • JiminDenver's avatar
    JiminDenver
    Explorer II
    Jun 01, 2015
    That a funny one Salvo. The 245w monos and 250w polys have the same foot print. The mono cells take up an inch less lengthwise inside the frame but not anything that you have to adjust your mounting for.

    Now then, my 220w mono and 230w poly are different sizes but those are what, three or four years old now. Tech changes fast out there, you might have to get your degree an upgrade. Some firsthand experience might do ya good. ;)
  • Salvo's avatar
    Salvo
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2015
    " if you have room for a polycrystalline solar panel you ought to consider purchasing one as they will give you more power per dollar.
    In low light and shady places they are however not the greatest. If you have these types of solar cells mounted in a place with a shade you will could lose up to 50% efficiency even though only 20% of the solar panel is in the shade. This is because of the extra resistance that occurs in each of the solar cells when some off the small crystalls become inactive. Single larger crystalls like the ones found in monocrystalline panel don’t “shut off” as easily and therefore are better in shady conditions."

    http://www.confidencenergy.com/oldvision/news4.html
  • jrnymn7's avatar
    jrnymn7
    Explorer
    Jun 01, 2015
    I've read articles that suggest, even though individual mono (complete) cells may be superior to poly (partial) cells, they don't necessarily outperform poly's when in a panel.
  • JiminDenver's avatar
    JiminDenver
    Explorer II
    Jun 01, 2015
    Listen. You can buy the hype if you want. After seeing it happen with multiple monocrystaline panels, plus having the owner of a solar panel company confirm it I'll be sticking with poly. You should really get out and push a button once in awhile.

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