I was wondering what the Pros/Cons of using the MPP PIP–1012LV-MS ( https://watts247.com/product/pip-1012lv-ms/?wpam_id=3 ) with a Blusun 460W panel ( https://signaturesolar.com/bluesun-460w-half-cell-bifacial-solar-panel-silver/ ). Or just using multiple smaller 100w 12v panels.
One large panel vs multiple smaller panels?
- Thread starter RVRunning
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splitting_lanes
New Member
An MPP will harvest as much as possible if you stay within voltage and current limits, AFAIK.
which will fit better? A single large panel or many small? It’s easier to mount just one…
which will fit better? A single large panel or many small? It’s easier to mount just one…
12VoltInstalls
life passes by too quickly to not live in freedom
MPP Solar is a brand name
The bifacial panel will need exposure from both sides to reach its potential.
The “half cell” construction sometimes can be an advantage in shaded conditions.
However, in “vehicle mounted systems” section the assumption is a vehicle-mounted panel. I would buy four or six 100W or 150W panels and run two parallel strings if you have the space.
You are unlikely to see any benefit from a bifacial panel as the backside won’t see any substantial light.
downhiller
New Member
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Not OP, but I have essentially the same question. I can fit a single 595W Canadian Solar mono perc panel, or a combination of smaller panels that would add up to a similar amount.
12VoltInstalls, you say
"I would buy four or six 100W or 150W panels and run two parallel strings if you have the space."
But you don't say why? I agree that a bifacial panel is pointless if it's mounted flat on a roof, but ignoring that - is (say) six small panels better than one big one, and if so, why?
Thank you!
12VoltInstalls, you say
"I would buy four or six 100W or 150W panels and run two parallel strings if you have the space."
But you don't say why? I agree that a bifacial panel is pointless if it's mounted flat on a roof, but ignoring that - is (say) six small panels better than one big one, and if so, why?
Thank you!
Rednecktek
Solar Wizard
Physics. If you can get 6x 150w panels and puzzle piece them around the things on the roof, that's 900w of panel. If you can only get a single 595w panel up there (and that's going to be interesting to install due to weight and size in the first place) that's only 595w.
Also, if you have 2 strings and a branch covers one of the panels, the other string is still putting out all it can. If you cover part of a single panel then your whole panel becomes nerfed.
The biggest factor really needs to start with the physics. If you have enough open flat space to put larger panels, you can maximize that way. If there's only enough open space for 1 large panel and 40% of your roof is open but too small, you'll nerf your capacity. Puzzle pieces and all. If you can put up one large panel and 4 small panels and use two separate SCC's that would be great!
In a perfect world your RV would be vast tracts of open roof with nothing in the way and you could find panels that would span end-to-end perfectly... but that's just wishful thinking.
Plus, just as a side note, if you're buying new panels retail the 100w panels are the best bang for the buck at about $0.80/w where the 200w panels start at $1/w.
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12VoltInstalls
life passes by too quickly to not live in freedom
Shading possibilities and the flat mounting might leave you wanting- a series string might get some charging when clouds are present whereas parallel panels may not. Plus the spacing flexibility.
littleharbor2
Solar Addict
You must be referring to 200 watt 12 volt panels. 200 watts is rare in higher voltage panels which are much cheaper than 12 volt nominal, 36 cell panels
littleharbor2
Solar Addict
Another thing about 12 volt 200 watt panels is they're higher vmp and voc than lower wattage 12 volt panels. this higher voltage will go to waste without an mppt controller so you're not saving any money by using a pwm controller with them.
Rednecktek
Solar Wizard
Everything I've seen new retail over 100w gets over the $1/watt cost. Used? Absolutely cheaper, but even the 24v panels I've seen are starting about $210 for a 200w at best.
If you can point me in the direction of 200w panels that are less than $0.8/watt new shipped, please do! I'll grab a few myself!
littleharbor2
Solar Addict
You want them new AND shipped for 80 cents a watt? Good luck. Buy locally.
How about 39.4 cents a watt before shipping? Buy a pallet and you can get below 80 cents. Santan Solar
How about 39.4 cents a watt before shipping? Buy a pallet and you can get below 80 cents. Santan Solar
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Rednecktek
Solar Wizard
Amazon regularly has them for $80-$90 a pop and free delivery which is what I have to base cost on.
Sadly where I live the Harbor Freight 100w panels are the best bang for the buck, and if you want larger be prepared to pay through the nose. Even used on CL is often times pushing $2/watt.
I've put hundreds of miles on my truck over the years trying to find a place that sells real-size panels around and so far the biggest panel I've been able to find is 100w for about $200+ on average. Everywhere else is solely roof-grid-tie-installer companies.
Yup, done the pallet-o=panels before. Gotta get a full pallet to make it really worth it because of the shipping but if you can use 20+ panels you can't beat it!
downhiller
New Member
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That 595w panel is £265 here in the UK - £310 with shipping. That comes to $380. $0.64/w.
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