carl2591 wrote:
I sorta see where the higher voltage panels, even with the lower amps, are most likely the better choice.
There is no "even" here. More watts = more energy harvested for all your uses. Grasp this idea. Don't worry about low amps of high-voltage panels, they use MPPT controller that converts high volts into high amps.
carl2591 wrote:
higher voltage = smaller wire = less weight = lower cost for wire
Now you got it.
carl2591 wrote:
the charge controllers at 30 amps are able to handle 5 total panels if i decide to add a couple more in the future so everything will be sized for 5 panels from roof to batteries.
Wrong again.
It's about wattage, not number of panels. 30A MPPT is enough for 450-480W array. Jack is correct, +400W is easier to do with 24V panels. Makes sense installing 2*230 or 2*240. High-volt panels need to be of close voltage, installing 195W now and adding 250W later would be a bad idea. One thing that Jack doesn't mention is that solar should better be done right the first time - cheaper and simpler.
There is nothing to "size" from roof to controller with few high-volt panels in series. Wire is the same MC4 #10, for a single 195W or 2*240W or even 3*240W. this is the beauty of high-volt panels - low amps, thin wire. The only thing that is changing is the wire gauge from controller to battery - beefier wire for bigger total wattage.
I have a feeling this is going to be a very long thread.
