Solar Panels- Wired in Series vs. Parallel question

Sam Spade wrote:
I don't quite understand this obsession with wire size.

My obsession was using the OEM #10 wire from the roof to the basement. That, and I just think using higher voltage is pretty cool. And wiring many panels in series is a whole lot easier.

I used PV wire for my setup. I also purchased a crimper to make up my own MC4 connectors. Very quick and easy. I believe I picked up a 100' roll.

RLS7201 wrote:
The OP has 3, 24 volt, 230 watt panels in series, going to a Outback 60 charge controller. He is contemplating adding another panel or two.
The question is how would you wire it or rewire it and why.

Richard

OB-60 is only rated 125 Voc so the three in series is the max.

I am not sure it matters what the mix is but it needs to be even.
4 panels = 2 parallel, 2 series or 4 parallel is fine.
5 panels = 5 parallel panels.

Almot wrote:
Question with no details = Going in circles.

The OP has 3, 24 volt, 230 watt panels in series, going to a Outback 60 charge controller. He is contemplating adding another panel or two.
The question is how would you wire it or rewire it and why.

Richard

Someone needs to go price out some wire. ;)

Sam if you are doing #4 wire vs #10 wire the price difference is significant. Now jump to 4/0 and the price is definitely not low.

My own system is mppt with a nominal input voltage of 33. That allowed me to use the #10 prewire.

John, since morningstar says for ideal input they don't want more than 15 volts to pwm I would go for the slightly more expensive mppt unit--provided it has a temperature sensor on the battery bank.

Boon Docker wrote:
Building a high voltage systems in series makes sense if you want to use smaller gauge wire.

Wire is (relatively) inexpensive.
I don't quite understand this obsession with wire size.

teeznu wrote:
So the debate between wiring panels in Series or Parallel. Please tell me the benefits of wiring either way and if there are negatives, please educate me on that as well.
Thanks to those that respond.

Read this! PWM v.s. MPPT

I have a 130W panel with 23.5Voc and 7.44A Isc. The wire between the panel and the controller is 25ft of 10Ga round trip.

What will give the best battery charging? Chose between:

SS-10-12V
and
SS-MPPT-15L

HTH;
John

mchero, there was a little ";)" icon in my last post on "sticking to the subject". Meaning, - there wasn't really any subject. If you look at the post #1, it was a request for debate, not for information.

Oh yeah, - and for "education". Ok, education: R=U/I. Can you provide any education on how to get from A to B, if you don't know where those A or B are located, how fast they need to get there and for how much? Rhetorical question, a part of the "debate".

I'm letting the OP know what i'm running, two paralled strings Almot. Lets let the admins determine who's sticking to the subject.
Thanks.