Setting up my solar system
I'm in the planning stages of adding solar to my travel trailer. I currently have a battery bank of two 6V flooded lead acid GC batteries in series that is 215 Ah 12 volts. I am planning on adding ...
Forum Discussion
Vintage465 wrote:GravelRider wrote:bpounds wrote:
You're missing an opportunity if you run all 4 panels in parallel. With 4 you will yield a little better if you run 2S x 2P. Your MPPT controller can take better advantage of the higher voltage in all light conditions. You can also downsize some wiring if you choose. No point in having an MPPT if you run them all parallel. No need for any extra breakers IMO, just one to protect, and more importantly to disconnect, the entire array.
I'm not really understanding what the advantage to running in series over parallel is, or running a parallel-series. Well, other than being able to downsize wiring, and presumably a bit easier install. Really the only reason I want to go parallel is for better partial shade performance... Assuming that I am understanding that correctly.
Others no doubt will disagree, but I don't think there is a hard line right answer for series vs. parallel. When I revamped my system, I set it up so I can go either way. Yup, fat wire(4ga)from the combiner box to the controller that is close to the battery. The combiner is large enough that I can wire it into series if I don't get the performance I want from parallel. If I do ever go series I will need to up my controller to an MPPT to handle the extra voltage input. My point, build with options............
That's a good point to build with options whatever route I go.
