Shade effect on series panels.
Pictured below is the shading on 2 of 6 series-connected panels: And this is what the controller says: So, 57.2 x 5.6 = 320w (IN) Normal (full sun) should be about 84 x 7.5 = 630w,...
Forum Discussion
CA Traveler wrote:
Something's off. You should have Vmp of about 17.7V per panel or 106V in full sun
Boy you were right, and thank you!
Here are some voltage readings starting with the 1st panel in the string to the last:
Kyocera 17
Kyocera 17
BP 15
BP 15
off brand 17
Old Kyocera roughly 2! Yes, 2.
Now, I couldn't lower the panels all the way down and still keep the voltmeter probes on the connection, so these measurements are close but not 100% accurate. The Outback controller says about 90 volts. So we have (3x 17) + (2 x 15) = 81v, so the Old Kyocera (OK) must be around 9 volts. Incoming amperage is 6.6, so the OK is still able to pass amps, or I'd be dead in the water.
It's a little difficult to tell if the BPs were more like 14 or 15.. if 14 that would put the OK at around 11v. Pretty sick panel I'd say.
If I do any replacement it will be the OK panel. I might be able to live with the under-performing BPs. I've already had one BP panel failure due to hot-spot short, and now this. Jees.. I thought those panels would outlive me. I wonder if Kyo would honor a warranty with no receipt...
