Yes, the tests were all done with thirsty batteries so that was not an issue.
Good to get some confirmation on my musings about all this. Another factor that might come into play is the cost of a controller that can handle the higher voltage input (at Voc ratings)
I have an Eco-Worthy 20 amper that can only take in 42 volts (newer ones can take in 50v) so while the Eco-W is fine for my single 255w panel (now all in the truck camper), it could not handle three 100w panels in series at 3 x approx 23 = 69 volts that I am now using with the 5er.
( I went crazy and bought a Tracer 20 amper that an do 100 volts input so I could run the three 100w panels I got on sale --crazy, crazy, which I thought would be better than swapping the Eco-W and "wasting" my three 100s by having to leave them in parallel.)
As reported, it was all bogus. I could have done just as well with the cheaper Eco-W on the three 100s by leaving them in parallel.
Only good thing is I don't have to swap the controller over depending which RV we are going to use. So getting a "better" controller that can do higher voltage so you can be in series instead of parallel is bogus IMO, unless the wiring issue is driving the whole thing. At least, based on what I have learned.
