Is there a good reason to purchase Renogy solar panels when HQST panels are coming from Renogy? I ask because I ordered HQST and Renogy customer service sent me the shipping label. Also going to both company's website shows that they are at the same physical address. Are the HQST panels just Renogy cells that didn't the higher efficiency?
HQST vs Renogy?
- Thread starter Lewi
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My 100 watt Renogy have put out as much as 96 watts. Not typical, but peak.
I’m upgrading my small system and based on Will’s test of the 4 most popular solar panels on Amazon I ordered a 100w HQST panel to connect to my existing Renogy 100w panel (less than 2 years old).
I plan to connect the new panel in series with my less than 2 year old Renogy panel. Does anyone see that being a problem?
I plan to connect the new panel in series with my less than 2 year old Renogy panel. Does anyone see that being a problem?
Bob142
Build more, learn more.
Bob142
Build more, learn more.
I forgot to ask what you have for a solar charge controller (SCC). PWM style or MPPT? Make and model will help so we can figure out what the max PV input voltage is as well. If you've got a PWM SCC, you'll want to connect those panels in parallel.
From the forum FAQ:
diysolarforum.com
Below is a reference for understanding the impact of combining panels with different specs:
solarpanelsvenue.com
From the forum FAQ:
Solar panel strings: Parallel & Series explained
When solar panels are hooked up in series you connect the minus of one panel to the plus of the next panel. The voltages are summed, but the current remains the same: Putting panels in series is desirable as it keeps the amperage low, and amperage is the key factor in cost of the wire. Now...
diysolarforum.com
Below is a reference for understanding the impact of combining panels with different specs:
Mixing solar panels – Dos and Don’ts • SOLAR POWER SECRETS
Mixing Solar Panels: Discover Now Dos and Dont's of Mixing the Same Types or Different Types of Solar Panels. Act Now to Save Your Money!
solarpanelsvenue.com
After reading the mixing solar panels article I feel like it’s ok to connect these in series. I was more concerned about safety and equipment issues. If I’m interpreting this article correctly, I will be limited by the lowest rated of these two panels. At least on paper they are so similar I think the benefit of a series connection outweighs the efficiency issues.
My system is a small backyard off grid system that is more of a hobby system than a critical need system. I want it to be as efficient as possible but that’s not critical. The cheaper HQST was the driving factor for me in this system upgrade.
Are there safety and/or equipment concerns that I’m missing?
My system is a small backyard off grid system that is more of a hobby system than a critical need system. I want it to be as efficient as possible but that’s not critical. The cheaper HQST was the driving factor for me in this system upgrade.
Are there safety and/or equipment concerns that I’m missing?
Bob142
Build more, learn more.
I'm not an expert on mismatched panels (all of mine used together currently match) so I don't want to give you bad safety advice, or ignore your question. I've seen various threads on here discussing mixing and matching that have additional info that may assist you. Here are some that I was able to locate quickly:
diysolarforum.com
diysolarforum.com
diysolarforum.com
USING DIFFERENT WATT PANELS
I know with batteries you need to use the same ones in a bank. However, with solar panels does it matter? I have 2 Nature Power 165 watt batteries now. I want to add 2 100 watt panels is this ok? The panels came with SAE connectors on them and I purchased a SAE Y to MC4 adapter and connected...
diysolarforum.com
Mixing and matching panels.... ??
So I have a 5KW inverter.... it takes in a MAX of 8000 watts of panels (PV1 and PV2 Combined..) It is a MPP Solar Hybrid inverter (which Im going to be adding a DUPLICATE one in parallel which I think may up it to a total INPUT of 16000 watts....) ... just wanted to give the details 1st...
diysolarforum.com
Mixing Panels
Hi Guys, I recently upgraded my panel array with 2 x 175w 12v panels and paired them to my 155w 12v and 190w 24v panel. I have them in a series, parallel configuration. My question to guys is, is the 24v panel going to prevent me from reaching my optimum wattage. What's your thoughts on this...
diysolarforum.com
Delmar
Solar Addict
Ditto...my HQST panels purchased on eBay are bring shipped today by Renogy
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