Can solar panels be wired in parallel before series?

[barleyguy]

So, a scenario: I have four 290-watt solar panels. They are each roughly 29 volts at 10 amps. I would like to temporarily use a PWM controller for them. I already own an HQST 40-amp PWM. It will do 1200 watts into a 24 volt battery.

My plan is to run two pairs of panels each in parallel, and run two sets of wires to my solar closet, and then put the two in parallel. That should give me 40 amps at 29 volts.

If I buy an MPPT controller later (likely a Victron), do I have to go back up on the roof to put the panels in series, or can I take the two parallel pairs and wire them in series at the controller end, therefore doing parallel BEFORE series? (I realize it's more common to do series before parallel; that's why I'm asking.)

Thanks,

Harley.

 

[ldsreliance]

Yes, they can.

No, you do not have to change the configuration for MPPT.

 

[barleyguy]

Thanks.

(The reason I want to change it to series when I go MPPT is to lower the input amps, and also to be above the minimum charge voltage for more hours per day.)

 

[ldsreliance]

Yes, that is better for sure. Less voltage drop. But not absolutely required.

 

[Scott3569]

Interesting, there is actually a lot of information in a very short conversation