Forum Discussion
KJINTF
Jun 17, 2013Explorer
Almot - from my POV not a logical result of a higher voltage array.
The higher input voltage limit allows series strings of higher voltage panels thus less current and exponentially less line losses (P = the square of the current times the wire resistance). That said power is power parallel panels could easily produce the same power at a lower voltage but would REQUIRE huge cables to offset the line losses. Power out would be equal either way since the buck conversion is 95% or greater efficient in most cases. If the installation has a long distance between the array and the controller and you are talking over say 200 watts of array power IMHO the MPPT controller is the way to go – Greatly reduced line loss is only one of their unique advantages.
The higher input voltage limit allows series strings of higher voltage panels thus less current and exponentially less line losses (P = the square of the current times the wire resistance). That said power is power parallel panels could easily produce the same power at a lower voltage but would REQUIRE huge cables to offset the line losses. Power out would be equal either way since the buck conversion is 95% or greater efficient in most cases. If the installation has a long distance between the array and the controller and you are talking over say 200 watts of array power IMHO the MPPT controller is the way to go – Greatly reduced line loss is only one of their unique advantages.
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