Mixing solar panel sizes
On a MH roof you have some large spaces and some smaller spaces or spaces with possible shading issues that you would want to avoid. Can you mix panels of different physical sizes / wattages, but of ...
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1000W will not be an overkill. Some places are warm but cloudy and/or rainy, and then 1000W works like 200W.
With 1000W it is often easier to use MPPT controller and series connections, or series-parallel, for higher voltage and lower amps.
Ex, one string 4*120W series, and the second same string in parallel to this.
In such a string you can replace 2*12V panels 120W each with one 24V panel @240W-250W, with some loss of efficiency.
1000W array is (potentially) 70-75A output post-controller. In this range it will be likely MPPT, not PWM. I recall Midnite Solar have some 90A units. You might also get away with Morningstar TS MPPT 60, from what I hear it's a better value than Midnite. Input voltage of array MUST not exceed the controller limit.
In Wa you won't need more than 60A controller.
Make cardboard templates the size of 100 or 120W panels, - won't be easy because they are often different shape, some long and some square. In 24V panels there is more order, 240-280W panels are mostly 65" by 40". Go on the roof and play with those pieces.
One thing to be careful with, if you like high elevations in winter (I don't). High voltage in series could spike dangerously high when it's cold and sunny.
With 1000W it is often easier to use MPPT controller and series connections, or series-parallel, for higher voltage and lower amps.
Ex, one string 4*120W series, and the second same string in parallel to this.
In such a string you can replace 2*12V panels 120W each with one 24V panel @240W-250W, with some loss of efficiency.
1000W array is (potentially) 70-75A output post-controller. In this range it will be likely MPPT, not PWM. I recall Midnite Solar have some 90A units. You might also get away with Morningstar TS MPPT 60, from what I hear it's a better value than Midnite. Input voltage of array MUST not exceed the controller limit.
In Wa you won't need more than 60A controller.
Make cardboard templates the size of 100 or 120W panels, - won't be easy because they are often different shape, some long and some square. In 24V panels there is more order, 240-280W panels are mostly 65" by 40". Go on the roof and play with those pieces.
One thing to be careful with, if you like high elevations in winter (I don't). High voltage in series could spike dangerously high when it's cold and sunny.
