solar panel connectors
What are the pros and cons to TYCO connectors vs mc4 and do they make some type of y connector for Tyco or should I stay away from tyco.
Forum Discussion
Right and then add in over paneling on top of that. Heat and electronics long term...
When I did the mixed panel test it was by adding the 230w to the other three panels. At times the 980w was producing 750-800w down and over 130 Voc. Yet the controller was only using 660w when the demand called for more. I believe the over paneling and high voltage caused it to reduce the output just like my Eco-worthy does when it gets hot.
That's why I don't like over paneling. I understand the concept but you are cooking your controller everyday.
When I did the mixed panel test it was by adding the 230w to the other three panels. At times the 980w was producing 750-800w down and over 130 Voc. Yet the controller was only using 660w when the demand called for more. I believe the over paneling and high voltage caused it to reduce the output just like my Eco-worthy does when it gets hot.
That's why I don't like over paneling. I understand the concept but you are cooking your controller everyday.
Salvo wrote:
Yep, that's what I've been saying. A big series string resulting in a big voltage differential between a 12V battery and the operating Vmp is not a good design. You get poor efficiency. The charge controller will get hot.
Better to go with a series-parallel string (if using 4 panels) or just parallel when using 3 panels.JiminDenver wrote:
I've been testing the 3 250w's in series and two things. The controller gets hot bucking down those voltages and I'm losing amps in the process. Each panel peaks at 18.5a alone but peak in series is 45-50a.
