Hi u All , here,s a Q. about solar panels . I think I know the reasons behind the wiring of panels in series and or parallel so my Q. is ---- what have YOU done and are you satisfied ??? Just to let you know I,ve got two 160W panels , 18V , 8.89 amp ,,,,12 volt , also 40 amp mttp charge controller and 10 gage wire . I can go ether way and expand if need be . ( I think ) What say you ??
jimindenver said
08:25 AM Jan 24, 2015
What MPPT controller do you have?
In any event with a MPPT controller you would be able to go either way, so I would see which gives you the best results. You should get more out of series especially early on and in less than optimal light.
All of my panels are the larger 24v type and I have no choice but to run them with a MPPT controller and yes, I am thrilled with them.
Neil and Connie said
09:36 AM Jan 24, 2015
Series at just a bit less than max voltage for the controller is the most efficient. If more than that then a series/parallel combo is best. We have 8 100 watt panels on two banks of 4.
chy46 said
10:10 AM Jan 25, 2015
J , I have a Tracer MTTP 40 CC from Renogy and N & C it sure would be nice to have all that room for those panels . Q. - I ,m I right to say that amps charge the battery ? If so in par. you double amps , in series you go for more volts , can I get more amps going in series than in par. with the mttp ? The more I think of this the more befuddled I get . Seeing that I have only two panels , before I mount them I will try series & or par. out in Yuma and see what happens . thanks guys
Jack Mayer said
11:59 AM Jan 25, 2015
You might want to take a look at my website. I cover most of the issues and education on series/parallel, etc. Look in the Electrical section.
Bill and Linda said
06:31 AM May 12, 2015
Jack’s website is the place to get a lot of good info and as a bonus its quite correct.
I have the same panels you’re using by spec.Here is my perspective and – “It depends.” I’ve run tests in both configurations – mine are in parallel and here is why:
First, I have #2 wire coming from the roof.That’s important IF you wire in parallel because the voltage will be lower and you need low resistance wire.#4 is “OK” IMO but #2 is better.
In parallel if there is any shade on one panel the output of the other panel is not impacted.In series if you have any shade on a panel then the overall output of all panels is reduced much more in series than in parallel.
When I ran the tests – same panels – same situation – I notice no reduction in output when in parallel vs. series in full sun.However, in series there was a reduction with shade.(Remember – clouds are shade.)
For us, allowing for different camping situations in addition to just being in a totally open area, parallel turned out to be the best choice for us.
All this assumes you to have a quality MPPT controller, etc.
BTW, on their website AM Solar posted a report with a similar finding as ours.
jrzygrl64 said
03:32 PM May 12, 2015
We had our system designed (Bill helped in the design after his own extensive research) and installed by Greg Young of RV Solar Solutions. He and his wife, Cori, are here on the forum as The Restless Youngs. They also have a website and FB page.
Tell him Bill and Kelly sent you
LarryW21 said
08:52 PM Dec 27, 2016
Parallel! I camp in some shady areas and hopefully one panel is producing at a good rate.
Hi u All , here,s a Q. about solar panels . I think I know the reasons behind the wiring of panels in series and or parallel so my Q. is ---- what have YOU done and are you satisfied ??? Just to let you know I,ve got two 160W panels , 18V , 8.89 amp ,,,,12 volt , also 40 amp mttp charge controller and 10 gage wire . I can go ether way and expand if need be . ( I think ) What say you ??
In any event with a MPPT controller you would be able to go either way, so I would see which gives you the best results. You should get more out of series especially early on and in less than optimal light.
All of my panels are the larger 24v type and I have no choice but to run them with a MPPT controller and yes, I am thrilled with them.
Series at just a bit less than max voltage for the controller is the most efficient. If more than that then a series/parallel combo is best. We have 8 100 watt panels on two banks of 4.
You might want to take a look at my website. I cover most of the issues and education on series/parallel, etc. Look in the Electrical section.
Jack’s website is the place to get a lot of good info and as a bonus its quite correct.
I have the same panels you’re using by spec. Here is my perspective and – “It depends.” I’ve run tests in both configurations – mine are in parallel and here is why:
First, I have #2 wire coming from the roof. That’s important IF you wire in parallel because the voltage will be lower and you need low resistance wire. #4 is “OK” IMO but #2 is better.
In parallel if there is any shade on one panel the output of the other panel is not impacted. In series if you have any shade on a panel then the overall output of all panels is reduced much more in series than in parallel.
When I ran the tests – same panels – same situation – I notice no reduction in output when in parallel vs. series in full sun. However, in series there was a reduction with shade. (Remember – clouds are shade.)
For us, allowing for different camping situations in addition to just being in a totally open area, parallel turned out to be the best choice for us.
All this assumes you to have a quality MPPT controller, etc.
BTW, on their website AM Solar posted a report with a similar finding as ours.
Tell him Bill and Kelly sent you
Parallel! I camp in some shady areas and hopefully one panel is producing at a good rate.