Panel Configuration for BEST battery charging?

Ddow · Mar 18, 2024

Because of physical constraints my new upgraded system I think will be limited to 8 200W panels, might be able to use 8 12V 250W Panels. Old system is 12V, new system could be 12 24 or 48. Thinking since everything is going to be replaced I should try to go to higher voltage since 1 of the 2 ox 4 panel strings will have an increased run of 30’ for total run of 60+’. But I do already have large wire in most of the present system (1 x 4 panel 12V 4p) these are a being replaced.

Because of physical constraints there will be 2 strings - 4 panels each separated by maybe 30’, and another 30’ to the controller. Can/should you run all 8 panels as Parallel? Combine at some point and run to one MPPT? Or keep separate and use two controllers?

Then which one of these Panel options is the better choice in terms of gaining Max Charging potential to the batteries. Or is there a better option to run 2 x 4 panel strings of 200W panels? Seems like 66A at 24V should be my choice if you can run them all “Parallel”?

8 200W 24V Pan. 8p
24V Bat
1600W / 24V = 66A 24V

8 250W 12V Pan. 4s4p
24V Bat
1000W / 24 = 41A 24V

8 200W 24V Pan. 2 strings 4s
48V Bat
400W ? / 48 = 8A. 48V

I understand that these numbers also will be derated and have Voc involved eventually in order to get the correct MPPT and actual input numbers.

Thanks for any suggestions or clarification.

sunshine_eggo · Mar 18, 2024

There is nothing to be gained by duplicate posts: