Help with parallel

[Siamac]

MPPT: max 15A 600V
Panels: used panels (let's say degraded to 200W)

• Open circuit voltage (VOC): 48.7 V
• Max power voltage (VMP): 41.0 V
• Short circuit current (ISC): 5.99 A
• Max power current: 5.61 A

Let's say I have 8 panels in series right now. I want to add more arrays in parallel.

Can I add 1 array of 4 (slightly different orientation)
And 1 array of 12 (different orientation)?

And where do I connect the fuse for each array? Positive or negative?

 

[Rednecktek]

If you're going in parallel, then each string needs to be the same (or similar enough) panels, so a 8s string can be put in parallel with another 8s string, but if you put it with a 4s string your array will act like two 4s strings and you'll lose 1/3 of your power potential.

 

[Siamac]

Does it also have to be in the same orientation?

 

[Rednecktek]

Does it also have to be in the same orientation?

No, the only thing that matters is that the voltages of the two strings are the same.

 

[Siamac]

Thanks. Where do I connect the fuse?

 

[Rednecktek]

With only 1 or 2 strings, no fuse needed. At 3 strings you throw it on the positive of EACH string.