Can't find a 6-1 parallel Y connection that accepts potential 66.72A

[MisterSandals]

BougeRV responded that I try to set up 2p3s

This is an unusual suggestion. Did your conversation with them involve shading issues?
3S2P is very common for 6 panels, 2P3S is extremely unusual (cannot say i have ever heard of anybody doing this).

Did you discuss possible SCCs to use?

You've gotten great advice so far; talking you down off the 6P ledge was important. That thinking is from old tech of PWM SCCs. The modern day MPPT SCCs accept array input at higher voltages that is much easier to wire/connect. Higher voltage (actually lower amps), greatly reduces and fewer parallel connections often eliminates the needful fusing.

Your only decision that I see now, assuming you accept 3S2P is how to get 1200W into your batteries.

1200W / 14V charging = 85A

Looking only at Victron, there are a couple solutions: one very big SCC or 2 medium sized SCCs. One SCC is simpler to wire:

It ain't cheap, brace yourself:

https://www.amazon.com/Victron-SmartSolar-Solar-Charge-Controller/dp/B07FCT2L7Y/

Or 2 medium sized SCCs, each accepting a 3S string (not cheap either but offers good redundancy):

Amazon.com

Either of these in my opinion would be the premium solution. Top tier product, easiest to use, probably among most reliable. 5 year warranty is MIGHTY nice. Bluetooth and apps are an absolute joy to use for configuration and monitoring.

 

[TomC4306]

Combiner box.

6-1 Solar Panel Combiner Box – 6 circuits to 1 (1 x 80A output) – Watts247 Affordable DIY Solar Power

watts247.com

 

[SirEbrawl]

talking you down off the 6P ledge was important.

Your only decision that I see now, assuming you accept 3S2P is how to get 1200W into your batteries.

What about?

2s3p @ 44V / 34A Less series/shade, smaller SCC

vs

3s2p @ 66V / 23A Higher series for low sun period

And next decision (ledge) is 12v/24v/48v bank.

Main load is 12v A/C unit. So originally wanted to stay 12v to avoid step-down conversion loss.

I don’t think 48v is feasible for my battery setup.

Are 24v battery pros worth the step-down conversion loss, if I’m already smothering my van roof with panels just to draw enough wattsH for this A/C load?

 

[MisterSandals]

2s3p @ 44V / 34A Less series/shade, smaller SCC

You have 1200W no matter how your array is configured. For a 12.8V battery, charging at 14V, you need 85A of charger.

With 2S3P you exceed the 30A limit in most MC4 connectors. You'd need a 3:1 combiner box (~$125). And you'd need to fuse each of the 3 strings (required for 3 or more arrays or panels in parallel). The fuses are cheap and easy in the MC4 inline form.
What is your resistance to 3S2P? If you have shading issues, is having 3 areas (with 2S array) in each more likely than half shaded with 3S arrays?

With 3S2P, you only need a pair of MC4 Y connectors.

If you want a smaller charger, upgrade to a 24V battery and you can get by with 42A of charger (40A or 50A).
How many amps would you need to step down to 12V for your A.C? Probably too many to make 24V worthwhile; but if you can find and afford a big enough 24V to 12V converter, thats an option.

 

[mikefitz]

Domestic RTX 2000 is available as a 24 volts or 12 volt unit. All compressor DC low volt fridges will operate at 12 or 24 volts.

Dometic CoolAir RTX 2000

Dometic CoolAir RTX 2000 - Truck and campervan parking cooler, 2000 W, 24 V

www.dometic.com

A 24 volt system would result in a lower cost MPPT solar controller. Two strings of 3 panels in series, then connected in parallel for a 100 volt maximum controller rated at 50 amps, example, Victron 100/50

BlueSolar MPPT 100/30 & 100/50 - Victron Energy

Maximize the energy-harvest, driving it intelligently to achieve full charge in the shortest possible time using the BlueSolar MPPT 100/30 & 100/50. Find a dealer nearby.

www.victronenergy.com

Mike

 

[Mattb4]

Cheapest method is simply bring all your positives leads together at a bus bar and all you negatives together to another and from this wire a 80amp breaker (Midnight Solar makes a 150vDC one)for disconnect purposes. From the breaker you run sufficient rated wire to your SCC. Note I am not saying this is your best option for setup.

 

[SirEbrawl]

Domestic RTX 2000 is available as a 24 volts or 12 volt unit. All compressor DC low volt fridges will operate at 12 or 24 volts.

Dometic CoolAir RTX 2000

Dometic CoolAir RTX 2000 - Truck and campervan parking cooler, 2000 W, 24 V

www.dometic.com

nice! I when shopping online I did find 1x post for a Dometic RTX2000 24v but it wasn't their site so I thought it was a typo.

With 2S3P you exceed the 30A limit in most MC4 connectors...What is your resistance to 3S2P? If you have shading issues, is having 3 areas (with 2S array) in each more likely than half shaded with 3S arrays?

With 3S2P, you only need a pair of MC4 Y connectors.

Good point, 3 shade area isn't worth the trade offs of higher cost connectors