Panel wiring

[FarmMan]

Hello wise ones,
A newbie here looking to glean from some of your tried and true wisdom.
I have 16 panels and a charge controller. Can I series 2 sets of 8 panels and then parallel the 2 sets together and it work ok with my controller?
Thank you for any help

Panels:

Max Power at STC (Pmax) 100 W
Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc) 20.5 V
Short-Circuit Current (Isc) 6.03 A
Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp) 17.6 V
Optimum Operating Current (Imp) 5.68 A
Temp Coefficient of Pmax -0.37% / C
Temp Coefficient of Voc -0.28% / C
Temp Coefficient of Isc 0.048% / C
Max System Voltage 600VDC (UL)
Fire Rating Class C

Solar Controller

Victron Energy SmartSolar MPPT Tr VE.Can 250V 100 amp, 12/24/48V Auto Select (Bluetooth)

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[Bananaman321]

That should work fine as long as you're Not charging a 12 volt battery 24v or 48 is fine.

 

[Ronwattson]

That should work fine as long as you're Not charging a 12 volt battery 24v or 48 is fine.

Why not a 12v ?

 

[Bananaman321]

Why not a 12v ?

100w x 8s =800w x 2p =1600w /13v =123amps

I would have to download the manual but this would most likely exceed the limitations of the charge controller for this voltage range it could however take one panel off each series run and parallel them together this should bring it close enough..
Edit:
It appears it would be maxed out but fine for 12 volt the spec sheet says nominal wattage is 1450w Anything more than that would be considered over paneling which you're highly unlikely to get that anyways with those panels

 

[Ronwattson]

100w x 8s =800w x 2p =1600w /13v =123amps

I would have to download the manual but this would most likely exceed the limitations of the charge controller for this voltage range it could however take one panel off each series run and parallel them together this should bring it close enough..
Edit:
It appears it would be maxed out but fine for 12 volt the spec sheet says nominal wattage is 1450w Anything more than that would be considered over paneling which you're highly unlikely to get that anyways with those panels

It's my understanding "at least with a victron" as long as you stay with voc and amp input limits you're good. In this configuration he's within those unless I am forgetting something or missed something. Efficiency would be the only issue I would think. Seems I read something a while back about loosing a little in series for each increase a panel brings to voc over the nominal voltage but I can't remember the details but it's not much best I recall. STC values are never seen as a general rule on my end.

 

[FarmMan]

Will be charging 4 12 volt lifepo 100 amp batteries to output to a 12 volt sine wave inverter. 8000 - 10,000 watt 220 volt output. This will be for backup purposes.
Thanks for all the help and input!!

 

[Q-Dog]

I think you will be fine. To make sure, Enter your panel info and location/temp info into the Victron MPPT calculator and it will recommend the correct chrage controller.

MPPT Calculator - Victron Energy

MPPT Calculator - Victron Energy

www.victronenergy.com

 

[FarmMan]

Connecting 2 banks of 8 in series then connecting these two banks in parallel, is that not 2x8s = around 160 volts at 5 amps each then connect these 2 banks of 8 into parallel = around 10 plus amps but still at 160 volts? Victron charge controller 250 / 100... I'm new at this and trying to understand the wattage increase? Can't find my panels in the Victron app.
Thanks for your patience

 

[Ronwattson]

Connecting 2 banks of 8 in series then connecting these two banks in parallel, is that not 2x8s = around 160 volts at 5 amps each then connect these 2 banks of 8 into parallel = around 10 plus amps but still at 160 volts? Victron charge controller 250 / 100... I'm new at this and trying to understand the wattage increase? Can't find my panels in the Victron app.
Thanks for your patience

In 8s2p your voc should be around 164v and amps around 15.075 or less.

8 * 20.5 voc = 164 voc
2 * 6.03 isc * 1.25 = 15.075 isc

The mppt takes that 164 volts and reduces it to charge voltage which is 14.6 to 14.7 volts. As this happens the voltage is decreased meaning the amps increase coming out of your charger. What you supply an MPPT with isn't the same as what it outputs. Realistically you're looking at probably getting 1,100 watts. 80% on it's best day.

 

[FarmMan]

Thanks once again for all the help.