How to Wire Mismatched Solar Panels in series and parallel

[@The_Smith]

I like that you do these under less than perfect conditions, shows us what we can expect in field conditions.

[@Ibian666]

Um... you mean panels out in the sun? This is how you would wire it.

[@tabaccopuro]

I wasn't looking for this video's specific subject, but I bumped into it and it was SO GREAT, I watched it to the end. Great video, explanations and illustrations. This lady is fantastic at explaining this kind of stuff. I guess I'll enrich my knowledge by watching more of your videos.

[@JQuintero189]

I've seen many videos now on you tube to teach me the most on SP and this channel has by far been the best at doing so. They're clear and thoroughly descriptive. Thank you!

[@thadwicksmith8752]

Holy smokes you explained that so clearly it seems easy. Good job.

[@lionsinthezoo]

Best explanation. I had to do series parallel on my solar flex 200 that came with RV. Couldn’t get the full 600W. I used this video & Jimi rigged with 2 to 1 connectors thanks Amy

[@tedx4263]

You answered my question that others couldn't. Thanks. I am adding 1200 watts of panels to my 800 watt system. The existing system features two sets of four 100w panels in series connected with a coupler in parallel, making a 800w, 48v array with max open circuit 90v and 10.8 amps. The 1200w addition features four 24v, 300w panels, arranged in two pairs in series, one pair paralleled with the other pair, making a 1200w, 48v array with max open circuit of 80v and 20 amps going into the same MTTP charge controller to a 24v battery bank. I was concerned that one array had a max open circuit of 10v higher than the other. I don't expect that to be significant after watching your video.

[@firpofutbol]

Hi, I want to do something similar. How is your solar panel arrangement working out?

[@tahertum]

I just thought these to my student last week but liked it please show the technical miss match

[@stevenl34]

I know this was seven years ago, but it answered the question I've been asking. I have 6-100 watt 12 volt panels paired in series and then wired in parallel to make 3- 200 watt 24volt panels. I only have room to add one panel and didn't know how it would work. So now I see that I could get a 200 watt 24volt panel and wire it in parallel it should work ,thanks

[@WalrusRiderEntertainment]

I’d say the power losses would be due to the internal resistance on the solar battery you are charging. You have to look at the entire system.. The state of charge of the battery would also determine the current draw.

[@c.t.murray3632]

thank you I enjoy the clarity of your instructions for my projects which are all off grid and working very well

[@carlosreyes6448]

R.i.p amy there was no else that could explain solar any easier.

[@derina.maleek9408]

YOU ARE A GREAT TEACHER LOVE

[@danmiller5297]

Thank you.

[@brianevans4525]

Love your videos keep up the good work

[@mohsinamir3542]

My Off grid inverter cannot fully charge the battery at full load. Can I add an MPPT charge controller with a separate 500w pv panel to the same battery in parallel.

[@mecshanlee3724]

Clearly understood ma'am. Thanks

[@william38022]

Very informative thanks for another great video Amy and as usual a little prettier and a younger than the previous

[@omoleogedengbe3007]

Hello ma'am I'm really enjoining your videos, they're very helpful. I've a question to ask ma'am, pls can I triple panel voltage to battery voltage with using MPP charge controller? Example 36v to 12v battery.

[@xanataph]

Yes, this is likely to be the best way to do it. In theory you could have connected all three panels purely in series if the charge controller could handle that higher voltage input. However I suspect that this would yield inferior results since even though they have compatible name plate ratings there is bound to be a performance difference between the different brands(?) or types of panels. And of course the parallel type connexion has advantages when it comes to shading.

[@assil110]

a question: since all three panels have the same potential current, why not wiring all of the in series: 12+12 + 24 = 48 volts , and 2.78 Amp? what is the point from wiring 2 panels in series and the third one in parallel ??

[@monaxp606]

I like this lady. Very helpfull.

[@robertnasser9937]

Not really my issue. I have a 12v 190w panel and a 12v 200w panel dealer wired in Parallel. I have a 12v 400w new single panel. 100/50 controller. What say you?

[@syedirfanahmad9626]

Good and simply explained

[@SteveOkamoto]

Thanks for the great videos. I think I already know the answer, but wanted to get a 2nd opinion. I currently have four 12v panels wired up as 2 pairs in series putting out 24v to my MPPT controller. I'm looking to increase my panel count by 1 making it a total of 5 12v panels. I would NOT be able to run the new panel in parallel to the existing setup, right? Mixing 24v and 12v is not a good idea?

[@LawAbidingCitizen117]

Why not buy another 2, 12V panels? All together you will have 6 panels. Wire 3 pairs and you'll be good to go.

[@j5892000]

Mppt is more or less ment for higher voltages.. either achieved by series or a high voltage panel alone. Series increases voltage but leaves the current the same or drop is depending on how mismatches the amps are. Parallel will drop the voltage if they are mismatched but increase the current. But it's better with pmw controler. Increasing volts for a pmw won't do much for it except fry it. Pmw is nice for starter stuff single low voltage panel or many low voltage panels in parallel. I have a pmw controler. With about 5 panels and the voorsges are close to the same but not identical. Voltage is odly slightly higher when I plug another panel in with like 1 volt less of voltage. Mayby there us a drop in voltage somewhere and the new one pics up the siack.

[@yankyjoe2023]

Wahoo this is so helpful....

[@ethancheng1595]

This is so clearly demonstrated and explained.

[@stevemcgowan3017]

Hi solar queen.I have a campervan now with 100watt solar panel at front charging my 110ah battery helps runs fridge 12v waeco compressor fridge on all time.I do have another 110ah battery in parallel with that.also have dc to dc charger connected so get good charge quick when engine on .now also I added 3 x30watt panels at back well under my ladders as I’m a window cleaner.these help with power at back of van I hoped.anyway I thought sometimes panels in shade I have a roof box on van a big one so thought can add 50watt flexible panel on roof box as it gets more sun most of time.what’s best way to wire with others solar queen.do I need another mppt for that .I have 2 mppt one at front to 100 watt panel and a renenogy mppt to 30x3 panels.I have connected those to same batteries also.I do have 2 stereo amps in back now with sub woofer.use mostly when engine on

[@ForPropertyInvestors]

Ive got three 12v panels and want to charge both 12v house batteries and switch over sometimes to charge 24v starter batteries. Should I connect all three in series. My charge controller can take up to 100volts. I wanted to do one 12v panel and two 12v in series but after watching the video don’t think that would be best. If i do them all 12v paralleled I would have to manually disconnect the 24v (2x12v batteries) each time and charge them separately. Its only so i can give the starter batteries a good charge up from time to time! Thanks.

[@AltEStore]

If you have an MPPT charge controller, you could wire all three panels in series, and it will adjust the output based on if it is connected to the 12V or 24V bank. Be careful though, some charge controllers determine the battery bank voltage the first time they turn on, so it might get confused switching between banks. Others determine it each time.

[@ForPropertyInvestors]

Morningstar TriStar TS-45 PWM!

[@legencyblue2330]

Yeah what about the different types of plug ins as bought?

[@thomas4315]

I have 4-110 watts in series mppt controller. I brought 3-150 watts, if I wire this in series then join the 110 in parallel. Is the "total" handy cap at 110 watts level also? Or best get another controller and both in series best?

[@saifkhan-it6lf]

Hi Amy. Solar panels with difference of only 10W, 1V and 0.6Amp will also be called mismatched solar panels. So, connecting them (250 W and 260W solar panels) either in parallel or series to the same charge controller be harmful.

[@ardehshir4590]

hi there, I have bought 4 solar panels 340w ,Max Current (Imp) 9.82A Max Voltage (Vmp) 34.6V Short Circuit Current (Isc) 10.51A Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) 42.5V Weight 18.7KG Dimension 1664x992x35mm Cell Technology Monocrystalline but I didn't parallel yet I need help before somethings goes wrong LOL, my system run by 48v what I must to do? do I need to do all panels + and - to parallel ?

[@showme360]

What I am looking to do is utilise my shed roof 1.6kw solar array with my 2.8kw house system. However, the shed roof solar array is feeding a 24v system, and the house is a 48v system. Why do i want to do this, I live in the UK so winter solar production drops to about 50% so I want to up the solar array into the house system durring these months to make up for these losses. I am trying to work out a remote switching system that turns the 24v system into a 48v system remotely using a WiFi system. Curently the shed roof panels are in parell and I need to pair them up, each panel produces 36v @ 5.5A. Have you tried this?

[@Oppong24]

Hello please what battery will I need to run this inverter Growatt 48V 5000 Watt Inverter 220V Inverter Charger Max PV Input Voltage 450V MPPT 100A Hybrid Solar Inverter SPF 5000TL HVM-WPV-P

[@tsyp40]

2 panels series connection. P1: 12v + 6amp P2: 40v+1.9amp Waht should be the output?

[@davidjames1684]

The rule is simple. Panels of similar voltage can be wired in parallel (and the amperage should add). Panels of similar amperage can be wired in series (and the voltage should add). Notice here though that she has "200 watts" of panels but is only getting about 2/3rds of that power (about 133 watts), so if you want a true 200 watts, you have to "oversize" your solar array by a factor of about 50%. If she had 1 more of those 100 watt panels and put it in parallel with the other 3 panels (two 50 watt panels in series with each other), then she would likely have very close to 200 actual watts. It would have been good if she mentioned this but all she said are there are some losses but didn't say how to compensate for that.

[@josepeixoto3384]

don´t understand: if she had another 100 watt,that would be 300 total; and all that to get 200 watts? where did the 100 watts go?

[@davidjames1684]

@@josepeixoto3384 Losses due to many things, mostly from non optimal sun angle. I have a "funny" story related to that. One time I was selling a solar panel and the guy came to my house at sunrise, so the sun was just barely over the horizon. When we checked the solar panel output on the meter, he complained it is not full wattage. He tried to get a discount based on that. I told him the sun has to be straight up for full wattage and he could see I was upset that he wasted my time so he left without buying it and I was happy. What a poor attempt at a discount. The nerve of some people.

[@okolepuka808]

I have 7x 100w 12v flexible panels and a 30a /100v max MPPT controller, 12v system. I live in a foggy city. The panels' are recommended not to have more than 3 in series. I also have some blocking diodes I can utilize. I also have an old PMW controller, I'd prefer not to use. Whats the best way to wire these? Thanks

[@hirensanyaja8911]

hi,can you please suggest on two case, 1) what is the effect on performance if i connect a 275Wp ( Voc:37.9 v), module in a string of 235Wp(6year old module, Voc:36.9V)module? 2)what is the effect on performance if i make a single string of 275Wp(Voc:37.9V)-new module and connect the same in parallel with string of 235Wp(6year old module, Voc:36.9) module? Both the combination will be connected to a grid tied central inverter having single MPPT. and a string comprises of 24nos of module connected in series, please suggest.

[@BLAZEITDOWN]

i have 20 pcs of bpw34 connected in series and i am getting 6.5volts to 10 volts and very small amount of current 5 mili amps. now when i connect a normal 0.12 watt 6 plate of cells in parallel i got 500 mili amps and 0.5 v. Now when i connect output of bpw34 and output of 0.12 watts plates in parallel iam getting 0.5v and 5 mili amps WHY? PLEASE HELP ( i thaught i will get 6.5 + volts and 500 mili amps of current) Whyyyyyyyy???? 😥

[@ekotustephans]

Thanks for the message i will use it

[@stevemcgowan3017]

Hope you all well there .steve in uk near Chester 😀

[@legencyblue2330]

What about a flex 100w small to series with 100 w harbor freight poly vs glass?

[@321southtube]

Nicely done...Thanks

[@jithin_isaac]

very well explained...

[@cmchapman75]

Your videos are helpful and informative. There are still many things I don't quite understand. My solar 'light bulb' hasn't quite gone off yet. But I know it will soon. Okay. I'm considering using poly, mono and wind together. Is that possible? I live in an area that can be overcast for days, its usually windy at night and when then sun shines its strong. According to SUN hour charts, the average is 4.53 hrs per day. I currently have 4 12 V 100 W Monos.. I'd like to add 4 12 V 300 W polys and two 300 W turbines. I understand I need a hybrid charge controller, but is what I'm shooting for possible? I would eventually like to build to at least a 6-10KW system. Your advice would be greatly appreciated! Again, thanks for the great videos!!

[@AltEStore]

We are happy to help. I don't think you'll be able to find 12V 300W panels, you will likely need to get 20 or 24V panels and get an MPPT charge controller for it. You can wire it in parallel with your other charge controller with the smaller panels. You'll also need a different controller for the wind turbines than the solar ones. Some turbines, like the Primus ones we sell, have the controller built in, so you don't need a separate one. www.altestore.com/store/wind-turbines-river-turbines/primus-windpower-turbines-parts-c1244/ . It is common to have both wind and solar in the same system. Look at page 15 of this manual to see that they each are controlled separately. www.altestore.com/static/datafiles/Others/Air_40_Manual.pdf What voltage is your battery bank? If you are adding that much power to it, you should have a 48V battery bank. 12V won't be able to grow that big.

[@cmchapman75]

I'm starting with 4 12V batteries. I was going to connect them in series. And every two months add another 4 12V batteries connected in series.

[@AltEStore]

Battery banks don't like to have more batteries added after a while, there is no hard and fast rule when is too late, but you may be better off waiting until you have all of the batteries you need and doing it at once. Also, you would be adding 4 more batteries in parallel, not series, I'm sure you meant that, just correcting for other viewers. The fewer batteries in parallel the better, so you might want to look at getting 8 6V batteries in series rather than multiple parallel strings of 4 12V. I suggest looking at your ultimate goal, and designing from there, rather than doing it in pieces. it saves a lot of money in the long run getting it right from the start.

[@JaspalSingh-gk8wy]

Christina Chapman please send mi diagram J B singh

[@muzaffarulislam6946]

I have installed 300 watts solar panel four snd 150watts 24 panel i bought new inverter 6000 watts now instructions is written on to installed solar panel in series i have already installed solar panal with parallel with older inverter please guide me how can i change unevent soler panel in series thanks

[@AltEStore]

I need to understand what you have for equipment. What is the Voc and Vmp of the solar panels. What kind of inverter did you get? Does it connect to a battery bank, if so, what voltage. If not, then what is the input voltage spec of the inverter?

[@ryangozar148]

I have 1 panel 385w, 40.2Vmp and 1panel 405w, 42.0Vmp. Diffirent brand also. Can i connect it to parallel connection? Thanks

[@AltEStore]

The lower voltage may pull the higher one down a bit, but it will work, just not as well as if they were identical.

[@elisabethfuentes5660]

Why when i connect i series solar panels don’t charge?

[@Nitecrow314]

There is a video on this channel about testing solar panels which may help. Also, check your charge controller can handle the voltage created by having the panels in series. Or- it could possibly be a faulty connector. Hope this helps.

[@romanibukharst9517]

who else listened handy dandy fancy schamncy meter many time. :D

[@Debnexon754]

What type of MPPT charge controller is to be used 12v/24v in this example case? Plz answer

[@KMacFNP]

So it should be ok for me to connect my 20 watt and 50 watt solar panels both 12 volts in parallel right? 🙂🙂

[@gayanx86]

Super helpful and straight to the point

[@oogie-boogie]

what if you have a 330 watt 46 volt,9.4 amp,,and i have a renogy 100watt 22.5voc,5.9imp,,i have 10 of them i want to connect lik2/3 of them together to connect to the 330 watt panel

[@lanceeeyumang4686]

can i connect in series the 100w panel and 50w panel? and my scc is pwm, my solar did not destroy?

[@DIYOneForAll]

Great video, Amy.

[@sirajhussain791]

Appreciate to show practical results.

[@Ro-Bucks]

I got to say I like paying with my 30W pannels cause the cost of breakers add up, my cheap $10 controller is the breaker I guess lol

[@Manishkumar-dj6kl]

@alte can we join 12v 160watt panel with 50watt in parallel connection ..is any loss in wattages?

[@snakeplisken4278]

Very helpful thanks. On my boat I want to add 1 panel of 280 Watts x 24 Volts and combine that with 2 panels of 100W x 12 Volts. I bought a Victron 100/50 mppt controller and if I follow your video correctly I should be able to make it work with the combination of series connection for the two 100 W x 12 Volts panels, then parallel connect them to the 280W x 24V panel and then input to the MPPT controller as one + and one - wire right? If I misunderstood, please correct me.

[@jacquesb5248]

in series volts get combined, in parallel amps get combined but will work at what ever the lowest voltage panel

[@joepah51]

Great video. Did you also test two identical panels in series vs parallel? A whole day test? Always thought panels in series would provide better output at lower light conditions like morning and later pm

[@AltEStore]

That's on my list.

[@joepah51]

@@AltEStore thank you! The problem with an all day test is both configurations would need to be tested simultaneously.

[@arafetkanso1405]

So mismatch panels or panels with different orientation, isn't it ?

[@simplydoing9596]

hey alte, what will happen, if 2 panels of 24v 350watt are kept in sunlight connected in parallel and 1 panel kept in dark shed of 12v 150watt ? will the current coming from outdoor solar panels will damage indoor darkshed solar panels ? i wanna ask this bcoz, i am making a project of likething ? Actually i am making a 360 deg Solar Power Bank for mobile which have all sides mini 6v solar cells. But if we face one side to sun, other sides not getting sunlight will stop making voltage and will it get damage bcz voltage coming from other panel in parallel connection?

[@AltEStore]

Designing an array that will always have shading is asking for trouble. You can create hotspots on the solar panels. A much better solution would be to have multiple smaller charge controllers, one for each direction. You will get much better performance.

[@surenbono6063]

...ok let say i have different panels with varying voltage and current...but then i use a buck or boost converter to match all of those panels to output a same voltage and current will it be considered efficient ..effective...ect ?

[@AltEStore]

Best to just use a separate charge controller for each.

[@ignacio41]

Thank you for your videos. I have a 150 w 18 volts solar panel and a 120 w 12 volts solar panel. Then I also have a30A PWM and a 20 A MPPT charge controller and a 1500 Inverter. Could you please advise me the best hook up or 'this? Thank you very much in advance.

[@AltEStore]

Can you double check the Voc of both of the panels? If they are close to each other, you can wire the 2 in parallel and just use one of the charge controllers. If the voltage of the two is really that far off, then connect one to each charge controller, and connect the charge controller outputs to fuses or breakers, and then to the battery.

[@muhammadlutfi4315]

@@AltEStore if i have 32 cell solar panel with Voc 17.5 V and 36 cell solar panel with Voc 18.3 V, can i connecting them in parallel?

[@WoodmanFFM]

Great information, thanks a lot. However, I do have a question regarding this: What could I do when the voltages don't add up as nicely as in your example? Could I simply drop the too-high voltages using diodes? How closely do I need to align the voltages when combining different panels? Thanks in advance! :-)

[@JM-yx1lm]

Very much depends on the details of what you are trying to do. Also, it wouldnt be a diode you would use, it would be a resistor which you would never need to do anyway. Just hook em up in parralel and be dont with it.

[@WoodmanFFM]

@@JM-yx1lm I do not think a resistor would do the job correctly since the voltage drop across a resistor is dependant on the current flowing through it (linear increase). The voltage drop across a diode does not increase that much as current increases. If I just hooked the panels up in parallel, would that not lead to the lower voltage panel being heated by the higher voltage panel? Therefore, in turn, further decreasing its voltage due to the panel getting warmer?

[@Ibian666]

You would only do this when the values are very close. However if you give each panel its own controller you can use whatever sizes you want. More expensive but more efficient.

[@jesuis_jo]

Very clear!

[@eroc162able]

I have a question about my panels. I have two panels that are 270 watts each and two smaller panels which one is 100 watts and the other is 165 watts. If I connect the 2 smaller panels in series, will they not bring down the bigger panels? Or should I just connect all them in parallel? Thanks

[@AltEStore]

A big question is how many volts the panels are. I am guessing the 100W panel is 12V (36 cells), the 270W are 20V (60 cells) or 24V (72 cells), and hmmm, I don't know what the 165W is. These panels may be too different to match up on one charge controller. Let me know what the volts and amps are on the panels, and we can see if we can make it work, or if you need to use separate charge controllers.

[@utkarshtripathi2251]

Does dual mppt reduces mismatch panel loss?

[@thefaeryman]

so it's Vmp we add together not Voc when hooking up panels to an MPPT charge controller. Have you done anything with using a small wind turbine, 1600 watts to a grid tie or microinverter?

[@AltEStore]

The Vmp is just closer to what you will actually see, as it is the maximum power output. If you multiply Vmp and Imp, you'll get the rated watts. You use the Voc when calculating the high voltage limit of a charge controller, but you won't often see it (you only need to exceed it once to damage your equipment tho). I would not recommend connecting a turbine directly to a grid tie inverter. #1, it's not designed to handle that, #2, you'd need a reliable dump load if the grid goes out to keep from blowing up the turbine.

[@thefaeryman]

I wouldn't hookup directly silly, it needs a special controller designed for this application with a dump load to handle the turbine when the grid is down.

[@paranoy69]

hello am i ok if on the roof of my truck camper i have 2 x 100 watts pluged togeter (on a y connector)on a controler and a 85 watts panel on another controler. and wired the output plus of each on the positive of my battery and the same for the négative?

[@AltEStore]

paranoy69 you should have the positive output of each controller going through it's own fuse or breaker before the battery. Other than that, sounds right.

[@ismzaxxon]

Do you need blocking diodes for each panel? Most panels have bypass diodes not blocking diodes

[@AltEStore]

You generally do not need a blocking diode. Most systems would have a charge controller that prevents any night time drains. We did a video on diodes here, kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6O8qmOdfb-Ypqs

[@bryanflores6747]

Hello, i have 4*100 watt panels, 18 voc and 5.5 amp, and 1*325 watt panel at 38.25 voc, 8.49 amp, i was wondering if it would be safe to wire the 100 watt panels in series in pairs then wire them in parallel with the 325 watt panel for a 725 watt total array, to an mppt charge controller, the difference in voltages is 2.85 volts, would that be acceptable?

[@AltEStore]

Not only will the volts be different in the two strings, but also the amps 5.5A vs 8.49A. So while it will be safe, and will work OK, it will not work as well as if you got 2 charge controllers, one for the 100s and one for the 325. If this is going to a 12V battery bank, you will need 60A of MPPT charge controller (725W / 12V = 60A). It may actually be about the same price to get two 30A charge controllers rather than one 60A.

[@AsadKhan-no7gq]

how to connect 250w 3 panels with 150w one panel..plz answre me i m confused

[@AltEStore]

The 150W panel should have its own charge controller. Wire the outputs of the 2 charge controllers in parallel to the battery.

[@jfergpermit777]

How do I connect using a bank of 24 volt panels going into MPPT to a couple of portable 12 volt panels that have a PWM controller. All going into 24v Lithium batteries.

[@AltEStore]

Let me make sure I understand your situation. You have 2 12V panels wired in series, going through a PWM charge controller to a 24V battery bank. To add 24V panels, simply add a second charge controller big enough for the new panels in parallel to the existing one. Because both are 24V, it can be either PWM or MPPT. Make sure the 2 charge controllers are set with the same charging voltages so they don't conflict.

[@jfergpermit777]

altE Store I have 3 24v panels on roof going into a MPPT. I have a couple of portable panels that are 12v. They have a built in PWM. I want to use the portable panels when I’m in a shady spot etc. so my conundrum is how do I hook up the portables to get juice into my 24v system(batteries).

[@untappedtuts7817]

I have 4 panels of 250 watts mono, and 3 panels of 350 watts, can I make 2 strings of them?

[@AltEStore]

It depends on what you are trying to do. See my reply to your other comment

[@jacquesb5248]

ok so if you wire two 3 24V in parallel the amps get added up. so my two 8.3Ax2 plus 1 5.5A I should have 22.1A ?

[@AltEStore]

Theoretically. Real world is you may see a bit less, but that's the general rule.

[@jamalaldhubibi8309]

Dear i have 3 different panels 1 320w 24v and one 180w 24 and 2 panels 150w 12v what the best connect with the mppt

[@AltEStore]

jamal aldhubibi if you have to do them all with charge controller, the best way is the two 12V in series, then put them in parallel with the two 24v panels.

[@Dzikr_Family]

tengkyu....

[@MrRain-hk4zi]

Helpful and resourceful, thanks.

[@jeffmays7192]

So basically what you're saying is that I can take my 12 volt 160 watt panels and wire them is series creating a 24 volt system by series wiring groups of 2?

[@AltEStore]

Correct. Wiring in series increases volts, wiring in parallel increases amps. So if you have 4 panels wired in 2 strings of 2, both your volts and amps will double.

[@jeffmays7192]

altE Thank you! Your videos are very good and I appreciate your time. I’m seriously thinking about upping to a 24 volt system.

[@SkampXx]

hi, at current I got 4x65watt panels in parallel on a mppt 100v/20a , and ordered 4 more.(all same brand and stats)can't go any more on parallel or it would fry the mppt , but adding the 4 new ones in parallel and putting both banks in series would work fine correct?

[@AltEStore]

MPPTs are rated for their output, not input. 65W x 4 = 260W. Into a 12V battery bank is 260W ÷ 12V = 21A. Your charge controller is maxed out at 4. Also, if shading isn't an issue, they could be wired in series instead of parallel, the charge controller can handle either. But either way, only 4.

[@SkampXx]

the charge controller just wont give more then 20A to the batterys I assume.I wasn't expecting a higher peek, just more input during less sunlight hours or part shading times (wich is like half the day)Main question I got , wil 2 4panels in parallel put in series fry the mppt , so it would be 2x260watt in series (24v/20Amps)Will the mppt just max out or it will it burn?

[@JRJRJR]

180W36V +2x100W18V. Can you tell me if this setup will work properly? :-)

[@saifkhan-it6lf]

Hi Amy, great videos very helpful. i have two 24v panels 250w each connected in parallel to my 24v battery bank via pwm cc, but i also have 4 panels 12v & 150 w each.and i dont want them to be wasted. can you please show me how to connect these mixed panels to my battery bank.

[@AltEStore]

The best way is to have a separate charge controller managing the four 12V panels. They would be wired 2 parallel strings of 2 in series. The output of the two charge controllers would connect to the battery same as usual. Ideally, use the same type of charge controller to ensure they are both configured the same.

[@AltEStore]

Here's an example schematic of two charge controllers in parallel. imgur.com/g3LHozV

[@saifkhan-it6lf]

Thank you so much for the explanation. I will set my 12v panels the way you explained by tomorrow. Two more questions .... 1) should the 2 charge controllers be pwm or mppt? Which one do you recommend. 2) should the cc be connected in parallel or should they be separately connected to the battery.

[@AltEStore]

Because you have 24V panels (and 12V panels wire in series to make 24V), you can use either PWM or MPPT. MPPT will work better, but are more expensive, so your choice. See the schematic at imgur.com/g3LHozV. Each charge controller goes through its own breaker to the battery bank. So they are wired in parallel through a breaker.

[@saifkhan-it6lf]

Thank you so much Amy. Its clear now.

[@kelhawk1]

Your presentations have no equal! What if you have an MPPT and an odd number of panels? The combiner for my 24V system is currently fed by: Eight, 12V, 60W, Poly PV panels wired as two 24V, 120Watt arrays. (Or four 60W?...Idk, lol) Two, 24V, 250W, Mono panels wired parallel. One 24V, 150W, Poly panel (It's mate was destroyed by wind or possibly an Elk.) I recently installed an MPPT charge controller using the same 24V input voltage as my old Trace C40 charge controller, and am not impressed. To use a nominal 48V input voltage with the new MPPT charge controller, it seems obvious I would connect the 60Watt arrays in series, the two 24V in series, with each array feeding the combiner a nominal 48 Volts. What do I do with that lonesome 24V, 150Watt panel that remains? Would I have to bypass the combiner, and connect in parallel with the battery, through my old Trace C40 charge controller? Seems like I could parallel it with one of the other 24V 250W panels, *before* I series connect it to the other 250W, resulting in a 48V 400W array, but I'm not sure if hooking two panels of different Wattage in *series* is even recommended.

[@Tajmohammadmalik]

Wow nice voice

[@edithertacbobo9172]

Hello good day to everyone! I have a question, can be the solar panels in series be switch to series parallel by using automatic transfer switch? Ex. 7 panels 285w each connected in series, and then I want to switch later on the 4 panels into series parallel - 2s2p. Is it safe to use 2 dc contactors as ATC to do the switching of the panel. Thanks!

[@AltEStore]

What are you trying to do, switch between a grid tied inverter and a charge controller? The way I see it you would need 3 switches to change the wiring. Plus the wire would need to be sized to handle twice the current. Pretty complex and expensive. I'd rather do it by simply switching to a 600V charge controller, like the Morningstar TS-MPPT-600V, www.altestore.com/store/charge-controllers/solar-charge-controllers/mppt-solar-charge-controllers/morningstar-mppt-solar-controllers/morningstar-ts-mppt-60-600v-48-tristar-600v-60-amp-mppt-charge-controller-p11177/

[@reneenietes]

Gudday! Can it be use to charge a 24v battery?

[@AltEStore]

If wired with 72 cells in series, so two 12V panels in series, you can charge a 24V battery.

[@SuperFredAZ]

why not wire all the panels in series, and get 48 V and the dc/dc device step it down to 12 V?

[@jacquesb5248]

also my mppt displays displays say 26.5V but when I measure the batteries with a millimetre it displays 28V?!

[@timmyinthewell1]

I keep getting different and seemingly conflicting information on using mppt controllers with mixed panel setups. Some sites say don't do it and others seem to think its ok. I ask because I was thinking of buying a 2 year old 24 volt 250 watt panel for $120 on Craigslist to get started. I figured as long as i used a controller like the SolarEpic MPPT 40A , I could always add more 24v 250 watt panels later as long as the specs were close enough? But then Im reading where its too risky and the mppt controller could get confused trying to deal with the differing panels ? Anyone have experience in this area ?

[@AltEStore]

There's the ideal situation, then there's close enough. As long as the Isc and Voc are close, you can mix brands. It won't be perfect, but it'll be good enough. ideally, compare the spec sheet IV Curve. It shows the output at different light levels. If they are similar, you should be fine. If they are different, find a different panel. Look at the IV curve on page 2 of this spec. www.altestore.com/static/datafiles/Others/CS6K-P%20Datasheet.pdf

[@TheAwesomeHomestead]

i have 1kw 24v panels and 1kw 12v panels. how can i wire then to be most efficient?

[@Raaaphael]

With 2 charge controllers.

[@sunshine7453]

Can PWM CC function with mismatched 24V PV and 12V battery? PWM CC is optimized with matched nominal voltages like 24V PV and 24V battery?

[@AltEStore]

We did a video comparing using a PWM and an MPPT with a 24V panel and 12V battery. Spoiler alert, you lose a ton of power using PWM. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGPFaK1omrmVa9E

[@BillyTpower]

can i use this same principle if my 2 controllers are PMW

[@AltEStore]

As long as the panels and batteries are the same nominal voltage, i.e. 36 cell 12V panels and 12V battery bank.

[@mohindersembi7647]

Hi can you please kindly help me on my solar panel I have Panasonic VBHN330SJ53 330W Solar Panel Module which I have connected 7 panels in series which is 7 x 330 watts = 2310 watts dc voltage approximate 483... And I have another string same solar 7 x 330 panels in series which 2310 watts Can I connected this 2 strings in parallel so the dc voltage approximate will be 483 and the total watts should be 4,620 will this system will work ? Please kindly help me on this thanks you Sam

[@AltEStore]

Yes it sounds like if you put those two strings of 7 in parallel it will be balanced! The key thing to check is the Voc (Open Circuit Voltage) of the panels. If Voc is the same for both strings, then you are good.

[@mohindersembi7647]

@@AltEStore thank you for your reply I have connected both solar strings in parallel which is 7 X 330 watts panels equals 2310 watts first string and second string 7 X 330 watts panels equals 2310 watts all the panels are the same and on each string DC voltage is approx 467 volts the only problem I have is the total power I am getting out of the system on full sunny day is 2400 watts ? But if you look at if both string are connected in parallel it’s should be 2310 watts first string plus second string 2310 watts total should be 4620 watts and why I am getting only 2400 watts ? Please can you help me on this issue thank you Sam

[@AltEStore]

That does sound like it is under-producing! It could be a number of factors such as high temperatures, mounting angle, air quality, and so on

[@ivanhoevnh]

I would like to have the formulas to see where the numbers come from. I do not have those meters.

[@AltEStore]

You don't need these fancy meters, I just have them so I can show multiple points in the system at once. A simple hand held multimeter that can read DC volts and amps is an important and inexpensive tool to troubleshoot your solar system. I would never try to build one without it. You can see some examples in this video, kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5C8poOciM2VedE The most important formula is watts = volts x amps.

[@ivanhoevnh]

Thanks for your fast response.

[@arora_for_life]

can we install Sunpower E/D series of 300+w in an off grid type of setup? if yes what type of solar charge controller do i need? i am planning to install 1kw setup. your reply will be appreciated. thanks in advance.

[@AltEStore]

I'm not sure which panel you have in mind. The older SunPower panels had to be positive grounded, where you bond the positive to ground instead of negative. Special charge controllers were needed for that. I don't think the newer ones are anymore, be sure to double check. Find the datasheet for the panel you have in mind to determine what the Voc and Isc is of the panel. Also let us know what voltage battery bank you have in mind.

[@arora_for_life]

I am actually considering two different company's panels. one is Sunpower and another is Panasonic. Both have approx similar specs in means of output. And I guess panasonic is easily available in India. So I want to tell you the specs and model of that module.(eu-solar.panasonic.net/cps/rde/xbcr/solar_en/VBHN330_325SJ47_NO.pdf) Panasonic HIT: VBHN330SJ47 pmax: 330 w Voc: 69.7 V Isc: 6.07 A I want to go for a 24v battery bank. As I want to install 1kw Off grid setup. I had EPEVER Tracer 4210a model Mppt charge controller in mind(hespv.ca/eps-mppt-40). But i am not sure for the grounding!! Is this type of charge controller perfect for my requirements? Can you help me out?

[@arora_for_life]

I am confused. Can you please help me by guiding me? I am waiting for your reply.

[@AltEStore]

You can do 3 parallel Panasonic panels. 325 watts x 3 panels = 975 watts / 24 volt battery bank = 40 amps. So you need at least a 40 amp MPPT charge controller. They are regular negative grounded panels, so nothing fancy is needed.

[@vicryan24]

What is the small fan cooling? :D

[@AltEStore]

It's trying to cool me. And failing.

[@jacquesb5248]

load......

[@AsmatUllah-nb6gy]

Please help me I install 80 solar panels 325 watt yingli panels. ..500 hundred deep water level and 25hp motor 20 rotar and 3 inch water received. ...Please solution. ..best work.

[@steveau1747]

For the 100w or 50w, is it never to achieve the highest 100% watts ?

[@AltEStore]

Solar panels are rated under perfect Standard Test Conditions. Real life is not often perfect.