Panels for 48V system... simple question?

[IFYKYK]

I'm considering 355W panels with 46.8 Voc for a 48V system. I'm in climate zone 8b so 21 °F today, but mostly hot.

Would i be making a mistake using these panels? Do I have to connect 2 panels in series to get voltage above 48, and if so, is 94 Voc too much (assuming I have an appropriate charge controller, is it just too inefficient?)

 

[hidiyguy]

Yes to 2 series. No 94 voc is not too much. Use a charge controller rated to 150v input since lower temps will push volts over 100 and you never want to go above volt input rating on a solar charge controller..

 

[IFYKYK]

I thought so but i kept hearing that I didn't want to go too much over 60V for a 48V system

 

[SouthernSolar]

No. 60 is really the minimum. Higher PV voltage reduces voltage drop and also let's the MPPT Solar controller make power in low light conditions because it can make over that 60 volt minimum in low light.

Like mentioned you need stay well below the controllers PV max.

 

[SouthernSolar]

Resource icon

PV array temperature correction table (NEC 2017)

Aug 6, 2020

This NEC table simplifies sizing solar array and charge controller for low temperatures

• Dzl
• Planning and Sizing Tools

 

[IFYKYK]

I'm considering 355W panels with 46.8 Voc for a 48V system. I'm in climate zone 8b so 21 °F today, but mostly hot.

Would i be making a mistake using these panels? Do I have to connect 2 panels in series to get voltage above 48, and if so, is 94 Voc too much (assuming I have an appropriate charge controller, is it just too inefficient?)

Thanks to everyone, I really appreciate you