I am going to buy 3 panels, and need to make a decision: do I buy the higher spec panels which can only be connected in parallel? Or do I buy slightly smaller panels that allow me either series or parallel configuration, with the bonus of a higher voltage reading (when connected in series)?
These are my AIO inverter/charger specs:
Hybrid inverter specifications:
Panel A (higher specs): can't connect them in series as voltage is out of range. Parallel results in 49.89v; 31a; 1547W
Peak power 425W
Vmpp 41.5V
Voc 49.9V
Impp 10.24A
Isc 10.74A
Panel B: when connected in series results in 112v;13.12a; 1470W
Peak power 410W
Vmpp31.25V
Voc37.25V
Impp13.12A
Isc13.88A
The panels are to go on top of a south facing shed, in the Uk, with partial shading in the early morning and the evening, though in the winter a neighboring house/chimney also gets partially in the way. It's almost impossible to guess, but I'd say the shed's roof is around 70% of the time under direct light, and 30% in partial shade (maybe more in winter, maybe less in summer); the shaded area covers anywhere between 10% to 35% of the roof within that 30% of the time that is partially shaded.
Obviously, 'Panel A in parallel' wattage is higher than 'Panel B in series', so this would indicate it is the better option? However, many people suggest that the higher voltage of panels in series is generally a better idea to get the batteries charging for longer etc.
There is also the consideration of buying a slightly more expensive DC breaker if going for Panel A (32A) vs Panel B (16A). And having to buy a couple of '3 to 1' MC4 adapters for the parallel configuration. I have also read that panels connected in parallel may need fuse/s as well as the breaker. Is this correct?
I am assuming that the solar cables would be same thickness (4mm square), but I am just wondering if the 77 extra watts justify the higher expense (not by much, but still...) and slightly higher complexity of the parallel set up. I don't know if there are any other variables to consider (safety?).
Any thoughts?
These are my AIO inverter/charger specs:
Hybrid inverter specifications:
- Nominal battery voltage: 24V
- Continuous power output: 3000W / 3000VA
- Surge power: 6000VA
- Output voltage: 230V AC
- Output frequency: 50Hz /60 Hz
- Output waveform: Pure sine wave
- Maximum solar input power: 1500W
- Maximum open circuit solar input voltage: 145V
- Maximum solar charging current: 60A
- MPPT operating voltage range: 30V – 115V
- Maximum mains AC charging current: 60A
- Maximum combined charging current: 120A
Panel A (higher specs): can't connect them in series as voltage is out of range. Parallel results in 49.89v; 31a; 1547W
Peak power 425W
Vmpp 41.5V
Voc 49.9V
Impp 10.24A
Isc 10.74A
Panel B: when connected in series results in 112v;13.12a; 1470W
Peak power 410W
Vmpp31.25V
Voc37.25V
Impp13.12A
Isc13.88A
The panels are to go on top of a south facing shed, in the Uk, with partial shading in the early morning and the evening, though in the winter a neighboring house/chimney also gets partially in the way. It's almost impossible to guess, but I'd say the shed's roof is around 70% of the time under direct light, and 30% in partial shade (maybe more in winter, maybe less in summer); the shaded area covers anywhere between 10% to 35% of the roof within that 30% of the time that is partially shaded.
Obviously, 'Panel A in parallel' wattage is higher than 'Panel B in series', so this would indicate it is the better option? However, many people suggest that the higher voltage of panels in series is generally a better idea to get the batteries charging for longer etc.
There is also the consideration of buying a slightly more expensive DC breaker if going for Panel A (32A) vs Panel B (16A). And having to buy a couple of '3 to 1' MC4 adapters for the parallel configuration. I have also read that panels connected in parallel may need fuse/s as well as the breaker. Is this correct?
I am assuming that the solar cables would be same thickness (4mm square), but I am just wondering if the 77 extra watts justify the higher expense (not by much, but still...) and slightly higher complexity of the parallel set up. I don't know if there are any other variables to consider (safety?).
Any thoughts?