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diy solar

Should I change to series configuration?

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Blown284

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Joined
Dec 29, 2023
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Location
Pasadena, Maryland
Hi everyone. The way that I have my panels currently configured is 3s2p. However, I purchased a new Victron 450/100 and the previous limiting factor was voltage (e.g. no more than 150v). Obviously the Victron 450/100 can do more than 150v. Therefore, can I benefit from switching my panels to all in series?
 
Benefit would be higher voltage at lower amps, so less line loss, but how far is your run and are you really gaining that much doing that since you already (assuming) have your wires sized appropriately? I doubt you'd see much if any benefit.

But without knowing your Voc no one can say whether you can safely go all series anyway.
 
SparkyJJO said:
Benefit would be higher voltage at lower amps, so less line loss, but how far is your run and are you really gaining that much doing that since you already (assuming) have your wires sized appropriately? I doubt you'd see much if any benefit.

But without knowing your Voc no one can say whether you can safely go all series anyway.
Click to expand...
Wiring is approx 50 foot from array to inside house with 10gauge wire the whole run. The panels are approx 49voc each. My simple math tells me even 5x50voc would be fine with the victron. Thoughts?
 
How difficult would it be to wire them up 6S? You'd be well under the max and could have some before and after data.

You could also plug the numbers into a voltage drop calculator.
 
42OhmsPA said:
How difficult would it be to wire them up 6S? You'd be well under the max and could have some before and after data.

You could also plug the numbers into a voltage drop calculator.
Click to expand...
Should be pretty easy to rewire them I think. I plugged the #'s in and I think I'll be ok. I just wanted to know if there was a huge benefit in moving to 6s vs. what I currently have.
 
Blown284 said:
Should be pretty easy to rewire them I think. I plugged the #'s in and I think I'll be ok. I just wanted to know if there was a huge benefit in moving to 6s vs. what I currently have.
Click to expand...
I don't think it would be huge and could be worse if you have any issues with shading but you won't know until you try.

Make sure any disconnects / fuse holders / fuses you are using are rated for the higher voltage if you do try it.
 
42OhmsPA said:
I don't think it would be huge and could be worse if you have any issues with shading but you won't know until you try.

Make sure any disconnects / fuse holders / fuses you are using are rated for the higher voltage if you do try it.
Click to expand...
ok thank you very much. I think I'll just leave them be for now. Appreciate the input.
 
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