diy solar

diy solar

Panels w/ low output and not summing?

mattleonard

New Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2020
Messages
71
Location
Oakland, CA
I have two Rich Solar 200w "24v" panels. I have tried each individually in perfect sun, with various orientations, on numerous days. I've used several different charge controllers (2 different Bluetti ac200max's, an Epever MPPT, and a Victron MPPT), and different cables to the controllers. At best I am able to get 95-100w out of either one, maybe a blip at 105w occasionally. Pretty far below the efficiency I'd expect.

What's weirder - when wired in series I see the voltage double as expected, but total wattage goes to maybe 120-130w combined something seems to be limiting the amperage. I'd expect the wattage to at least double - especially since I should less cable loss incurred due to the higher voltage.

Any ideas? Faulty panels? Not sure what other troubleshooting to try.
 
Have you opened the junction box on the back of the panels to see if the wires are connected properly?
Try testing the wires to see if they are crap. Perhaps some other connection is messing with you.
Check every connection, every wire twice.

Check the panel output voltage when it is not connected to anything.
 
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