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6000XP and 8 Aptos 370W Solar Panels

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MattMan119

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Working on a solar system this weekend, and wanted to get an idea what the thoughts are on the solar array configuration .. I'm sure there is a correct answer and would like to make sure I have it ...

I am installing 8 Aptos 370W 41.4V 11.26A Solar Panels and connecting them to the 6000XP

They are going to be connected to 3 EG4 LifePower4 100AH 48V batteries..

I would like to know what is the best configuration ..

1) 1 String 8 Panels -- 331.2V and 11.26A @ 2960
2) 2 String 4 Panels Each -- 165.6V and 11.26A @ 1480W each

I would think the #1 option as Nominal 320V for MPPT on 6000XP .. But not sure I know what I am talking about..

Thanks
Matt
 
Brucey said:
I would go with the 8 string assuming shading is not an issue.
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Yes, i was thinking the same thing.. Get over the 120V min faster .. I don't think shade will be a problem but if it is I will have the second feed there and can split the two .. It's only a 15ft run for them so should not matter much except they may hit min faster?
 
I have basically this exact setup -- primary string of 9 panels, with another string of 9 propped up against the house (not optimal but it's what I've got to work with)

Very pleased with my setup - it made it through the recent pretty terrible TX storms (and wind) we had that left 600k people without power for multiple days. Yay solar+battery backup.
 

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dfw_dude said:
I have basically this exact setup -- primary string of 9 panels, with another string of 9 propped up against the house (not optimal but it's what I've got to work with)

Very pleased with my setup - it made it through the recent pretty terrible TX storms (and wind) we had that left 600k people without power for multiple days. Yay solar+battery backup.
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Perfect… seeing anything from the bifacial back side of panels? (I know it would hard to tell .. but anything over 370x9 ever?
 
#1 for sure.

One thing to consider is that the manual for the 6000xp states that when sizing the strings for each MPPT, the panels must be the same model, brand and # per string. Since you can likely run a single string up to 10-12 of the 370w panels on a single MPPT, to be able to get max power out of the MPPT input, you might consider buying 3-4 more of the Aptos panels now since panel brands and models are constantly being discontinued and changed. You might not be able to get the name panels later.
 
MattMan119 said:
Perfect… seeing anything from the bifacial back side of panels? (I know it would hard to tell .. but anything over 370x9 ever?
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Maybe? So it's a string of 9 Aptos 370W panels, and the peak production is shown below. Which is 326W per panel, 88% of it's "regular" advertised.

Most people say expect 80% of advertised watt level, so the ground mount setup about 5' off the ground say 8% boost? no way to scientifically quantify it really, just ball park for the best part of the day.
 

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MattMan119 said:
Yes, I own 12 just can’t get more than 8 on the RV … although I got 4 extra so I can try again, what will take creative placement and I want to make sure they are safe and secure…. Thanks
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Sorry, I missed the RV part. Just curious, what kind of RV uses a 240v split phase electrical system? Must be bigger than any I’ve ever owned. Oh, sorry must be 50 amp.
 
MattMan119 said:
Thanks Eric,

The reasoning is the higher power less loss? I like to understand the theory behind it.. or optimal or inverter? Or both? Just curious why it is better..
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The main reason is you wouldn't want to be too close to the minimum required voltage per MPPT. A cloudy day could drop the voltage below the minimum voltage and the MPPT's would not operate due to insufficient voltage.
 
There is a lot of 50a split RV these days …
a I have attached a picture of my break box.. It’s a 2019 Forest River Sabre Cobalt

Now that said, they do not have any 220v fuses as you can see from breaker box, it’s used like two 50a 110 lines..

MattIMG_9416.jpeg
 
EG4_Eric said:
The main reason is you wouldn't want to be too close to the minimum required voltage per MPPT. A cloudy day could drop the voltage below the minimum voltage and the MPPT's would not operate due to insufficient voltage.
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Yes that is what I figured, I will be setting up 8 in one string, but may just run a few test for fun after I have it all done.. I am running two lines to roof anyhow just to make sure I don’t have to do it in the future.. so I can test pretty easy, but I suspect the one line is the most optimal configuration .. thanks
 
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