Confusing the MPPT controller
Here I go with my ignorant self again, seeing something and thinking I can figure it out. ;) When I first got my original panels I talked to quite a few people including Mark at Rogue saying to run...
Forum Discussion
When you are wiring a bunch of panels in series, then they need to be the same amperage rating, and probably the same brand, and voltage rating as well.
If you wanted to run them in parallel, then you could wire anything together, as long as the open circuit voltage is within 0.5 volts. But as you tested for yourself, those two styles of panels have different voltages under the same conditions. . So no do not pair them up.
It is not that expensive to buy it's own 20 amp controller for the oddball panel. Get a PWM controller, they are about $35. You might not get 'every' watt possible, but you will be surprised that it will put out it's rated amperage in Denver. Besides I do not thing your MPPT controller will be putting out 50 amps all that often, because the battery bank can only accept about 50 amps for a short time. Unless you are running an electric refrigerator on a big inverter, then you can consume all the power that all the panels can make.
So the 4th panel will only be needed when the batteries are really low. A 20 amp controller is only about $20 - 35 with shipping at this website.
AliExpress.com This is a company that lists many manufactures products, and then holds your money in escrow until you write in that the order has been received, and you are happy with it. If you do not write them within 60 days to extend the order time, they pay the seller. If you are not happy, you can open a protest, and they will work with you, and refund if required.
I bought some 24 LED 5050 Panel lights there, and replaced most of the bulbs in my motorhome with LED panels that are pretty bright. I even used my old pair of 45 watt panels on my buddy's home, with about 10 of the $1 panel LED's to light up his home at night. The controller that I bought has a light output that comes on after solar production stops, and will stay on all night, or for an adjustable number of hours.
Good luck,
Fred.
If you wanted to run them in parallel, then you could wire anything together, as long as the open circuit voltage is within 0.5 volts. But as you tested for yourself, those two styles of panels have different voltages under the same conditions. . So no do not pair them up.
It is not that expensive to buy it's own 20 amp controller for the oddball panel. Get a PWM controller, they are about $35. You might not get 'every' watt possible, but you will be surprised that it will put out it's rated amperage in Denver. Besides I do not thing your MPPT controller will be putting out 50 amps all that often, because the battery bank can only accept about 50 amps for a short time. Unless you are running an electric refrigerator on a big inverter, then you can consume all the power that all the panels can make.
So the 4th panel will only be needed when the batteries are really low. A 20 amp controller is only about $20 - 35 with shipping at this website.
AliExpress.com This is a company that lists many manufactures products, and then holds your money in escrow until you write in that the order has been received, and you are happy with it. If you do not write them within 60 days to extend the order time, they pay the seller. If you are not happy, you can open a protest, and they will work with you, and refund if required.
I bought some 24 LED 5050 Panel lights there, and replaced most of the bulbs in my motorhome with LED panels that are pretty bright. I even used my old pair of 45 watt panels on my buddy's home, with about 10 of the $1 panel LED's to light up his home at night. The controller that I bought has a light output that comes on after solar production stops, and will stay on all night, or for an adjustable number of hours.
Good luck,
Fred.
