twodownzero wrote:
I'm running 400 watts with an MPPT charge controller. All of my panels are in series now, but I've wondered if I'd be better off with them in 2x2, series/parallel. I believe I would, it'd just take more wiring.
There is no way to know unless you can measure each panel's output in different configurations. It doesn't matter if all it means is your batteries are full by 3PM instead of by 2:30. In other scenarios maybe it would matter.
From what I got, where each 255w panel can be measured, it seems to vary quite a bit depending on which way you park even with them out of the shade. Unless you have a flat roof end to end and park level, series might not be optimum. Then you have camber with some RV roofs with panels tilted to opposite sides. If you follow installation instructions, panels should be tilted slightly to allow rain water to run off, so the RV roof can be ideal for that.
IMO it all leads to where one same wattage panel will do less output than another, but not the same panel each time. With series, that means it sets the total output pace.
Once you have your solar all done with only one controller, you can't see what is really happening, and would think that what you are getting is "what you get".
The point of the OP is to show the measurements I got, which is an aspect to the series vs parallel discussion I have not seen before.
