I have a small solar system designed for short term outages and potential earthquake emergencies. It consists of a couple of panels, a controler, a "control panel" that I wired for my use, some small 12 volt battery chargers for 18650 batteries, outputs for a ham radio, some 12 volt storage batteries and an inverter. I have a few of 12 volt solar panels wired in parallel. Someone just gave me a solar pane that puts out 38 volts in the sun and seems to work, generating amperage upon demand. Can I hook up three 12 volt panels in series (which would add up to 36 volts) and then hook up those three running in series in parallel with the 38 volt panel? Any particular problems to look out for?
Another question: My controller will accept any input voltage up to 40 volts and puts out 12 volts. When I hook up say 38 volts to it, does it convert the excess voltage into current or does it just burn it off? I realize I am not providing info on what kind of controller it is, but I am interested in how controllers commonly deal with extra voltage. I presume mine is pretty standard.
--Kenoli
Another question: My controller will accept any input voltage up to 40 volts and puts out 12 volts. When I hook up say 38 volts to it, does it convert the excess voltage into current or does it just burn it off? I realize I am not providing info on what kind of controller it is, but I am interested in how controllers commonly deal with extra voltage. I presume mine is pretty standard.
--Kenoli