More solar
Submitted: Thursday, Nov 26, 2009 at 14:38
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Dusty & Bumpy
My dilemma.
I have 5 solar panels, 2 new 40w and three old Solarex 40w panels. They are all 12v panels – approx 19-20v open circuit. Are they compatible to hook up together. I intend to use a Morningstar 15 amp Sunsaver MPPT regulator. Ed C got my juices going the other day when he described his set up - two sets of panels each hooked up in parallel and then connected together in series then to the regulator or controller. Would the “parallel then series” set up improve the compatibility of the two sets of panels given that the voltage would be the sum of both sets. The controller apparently can handle the voltage.
Next question. My vehicle Disco 2 has a calcium battery and I think a 140 amp alternator. For vehicle charging of the leisure battery when underlay will the Disco set up harm an GM if it whacks it with some heavy amps. Isolator and cables are more than adequate (Redarc and 2 B&S).
Reply By: Maîneÿ . . .- Tuesday, Dec 01, 2009 at 12:47
Tuesday, Dec 01, 2009 at 12:47
Yes, connect all together in parallel still giving the same 19v to 20v
but all the amps would add up to 5 x "X" = ? (<15 Amps)
Quest 2. No hassles if is 12v Alternator system.
Maîneÿ . . .
AnswerID:
393364
Follow Up By: Dusty & Bumpy - Tuesday, Dec 01, 2009 at 16:38
Tuesday, Dec 01, 2009 at 16:38
Thanks Mainy. I would expect around 10 amps output, certainly <15 rating on the controller.
David
FollowupID:
661462
Reply By: Member - Mike DID - Tuesday, Dec 01, 2009 at 13:10
Tuesday, Dec 01, 2009 at 13:10
"2 new 40w and three old Solarex 40w panels"
- you have an odd number of panels - there's no way you can do any series connections.
- you can only connect identical-current panels in series.
- all panels/sets connected in parallel must be the same voltage. e.g. you can connect two "12 volt" panels in series, and then connect them in parallel with a "24 volt" panel.
AnswerID:
393367
Follow Up By: Dusty & Bumpy - Tuesday, Dec 01, 2009 at 16:44
Tuesday, Dec 01, 2009 at 16:44
Thanks Mike DID.
There are no 24v panels in the system. The 2x40w in parallel and then the 3x40w Solarex in parallel - then both sets connected in series would give total of approx 40v. The controller is capable of handling up to 70v then down to 13-14.6v.
That is how I understand it, but believe me I am listening, and need your help!
David
FollowupID:
661463
Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Tuesday, Dec 01, 2009 at 16:57
Tuesday, Dec 01, 2009 at 16:57
"There are no 24v panels in the system"
- that was just a hypothetical example.
"The 2x40w in parallel and then the 3x40w Solarex in parallel"
- you'll be trying to force 6 amps from the 3x40s throught the 2x40s only delivering 4 amps - bad, bad, bad.
Read these rules again -
- you have an odd number of panels - there's no way you can do any series connections.
- you can only connect identical-current panels in series.
FollowupID:
661465
Follow Up By: Dusty & Bumpy - Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009 at 08:30
Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009 at 08:30
Thanks again Mike DID.
I hear you. Do you agree with Mainey that I could hook them all up in parallel?
Thanks again for your time and help. Cheers David
FollowupID:
661540
Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009 at 08:38
Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009 at 08:38
If you have an odd number of identical panels you have only two choices -
- Connect them ALL in parallel
- Connect them ALL in Series (if you have a Solar Regulator that can take the voltage)
FollowupID:
661541
Follow Up By: Dusty & Bumpy - Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009 at 08:58
Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009 at 08:58
Thanks Mike DID
Makes sense. Parallel would be the way to go as the regulator would not handle the voltage resulting from series.
Not ready yet to hook it all up but will let you know when it happens.
Cheer, David
FollowupID:
661544
Follow Up By: Maîneÿ . . .- Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009 at 09:50
Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009 at 09:50
David,
for you, parallel is the only way to go, that's why I suggested it for your system
I'm disappointed you did not believe me waaahhhh :-((
ha ha ha
Maîneÿ . . .
FollowupID:
661549
Follow Up By: Dusty & Bumpy - Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009 at 10:00
Wednesday, Dec 02, 2009 at 10:00
Mainey - but I still love you!
Not that I did not believe you, I thought you had not understood where I was coming from. I respect your knowledge and want your input - I need all the help I can get!!!
Thank you too for your time and interest,
Cheers, safe travel, David
FollowupID:
661551