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diy solar

Solar array, 3S2P vs 6S

SamF

New Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2021
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I have 6 210W solar panels with Voc 19.83, Isc 13.09 and a charge controller with max voltage of 150v. Can I place all 6 panels in series or would it be better as 3s2p? What would be the pros and cons of each configuration?
 
6s will have less line loss from your panels to your charge controller and you probably can't get near the 150 VDC regardless of how cold it may get. You'll need to work with the 100-120 VDC which will keep you from being tempted to use the 48 VDC crap (switches/fuses/breakers) that seems to permeate the Amazon market place. Although your voltage isn't that high I'd use dual pole switches to minimize arc flash - switching both legs of DC is my choice build. Also, I love the Midnite Solar breakers for that voltage range.
 
+1 with what @Snowboater said. I'd just add don't forget you are working with high voltage. Make sure everything you use is properly rated and watch out for shocks.
 
6s will be less expensive in terms of wiring. No fuses between strings, no Y connectors. The solar charge controller may be more expensive to handle the higher PV input voltage.
 
Thanks for the input. 6s will definitely be easier wiring. I can cable then together down one side if the trailer and back up the other which saved me having to run another wire for each side in a 2p configuration.

I already have the SCC which will take 150V so the 6 x 20v should be ok.
 
Also - your Amperage drops as your voltage rises, so you can probably get by with thinner (less expensive) wire. You can go further if need be with higher voltage because you suffer less voltage drop - especially moving from 50VDC to 100VDC-ish. Good luck.
 
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