Solar pennel stuff

  • Solar pennel stuff

    Posted by Scrapmetal on October 7, 2022 at 12:36 pm

    I’m new to solar pannels.Can I mix the wattage of the pannel when using more than one?I’m getting into the solar generator stage of my preps.

    Scrapmetal replied 2 years ago 4 Members · 4 Replies
  • 4 Replies
  • EmmaB

    Member
    October 7, 2022 at 1:36 pm

    Yes you can connect solar panels of different wattages to the same system without harm BUT….

    The system will always choose the lowest voltage/amp and this will result in reducing the efficiency/power in/output. In other words, don’t do it.

  • MartHale7

    Member
    October 12, 2022 at 12:34 am

    I do it buy using multiple MPPT charge controllers in parallel to the output to the batteries.

  • Hippocrates_Garden

    Member
    October 12, 2022 at 1:11 am

    I kinda agree with both of the above replies.

    Can you do it, yes, with some cautions: On the back sticker of most panels, there will be a max system voltage or similar, if connecting in series, the voltage goes up, and if you exceed that you can damage a panel.

    Also if the voltage exceeds the max of the charge controller, you can (and likely will) damage that.

    Connecting in series, or parallel, or combination will reduce the max possible power from the entire system for the reasons stated above,

    So, as always, the answer is “it depends”, If you’re trying to keep it as simple as possible, and won’t be exceeding the voltage (or amps, but that is a bit more of a discussion) to the degree of damaging any component, it will work, but be somewhat or significantly less efficient.

    If you want max efficiency, then you need more components, more detailed design etc. (multiple charge controllers, preferably mppt, more fuses, fuse holders, cut off switches, wires, terminals, possibly buss bars etc.

  • Scrapmetal

    Member
    October 19, 2022 at 1:09 pm

    Thank you

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