Solar panels in series or parallel?
Hello All, It has been a while since I have been here. I need to come back more often. I have a 2016 fuzion 345. Love the tech but man does it eat power. I did put 6 6 volt batteries and that w...
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You can over-panel the MPPT controller somewhat with no ill effects, because the controller self-limits the amps to its rating. (40 amps)
If you look at my previous post you will see the amps are all under 40 anyway. Your only danger is the Voc limit of 100 volts (150?). If each panel is 40 Voc(probably more like 38) that is total of 80 in series at 25C and higher when it is really cold. You can calculate how much higher at any colder temp by using your panel spec for voltage rise with temperature.
There is a' wattage for 12v and a wattage for 24v (double) but you only need to consider the wattage for your battery, likely 12v.
You can go over that watt limit because the controller self-limits. and anyway, besides those lower amp figures I gave, that's all with the panels facing directly into the sun at high noon, and yours will be flat on the roof so not even going to get that much.
So your 40 amp Tracer will be just fine with those two 280s. If you will be camping while it is freezing out, go parallel and stay well under that Voc limit.
If you look at my previous post you will see the amps are all under 40 anyway. Your only danger is the Voc limit of 100 volts (150?). If each panel is 40 Voc(probably more like 38) that is total of 80 in series at 25C and higher when it is really cold. You can calculate how much higher at any colder temp by using your panel spec for voltage rise with temperature.
There is a' wattage for 12v and a wattage for 24v (double) but you only need to consider the wattage for your battery, likely 12v.
You can go over that watt limit because the controller self-limits. and anyway, besides those lower amp figures I gave, that's all with the panels facing directly into the sun at high noon, and yours will be flat on the roof so not even going to get that much.
So your 40 amp Tracer will be just fine with those two 280s. If you will be camping while it is freezing out, go parallel and stay well under that Voc limit.
