Help with series\parallel panels(3x100w)

[Wabbit]

Wondering how to set this up.

1x100w on roof(always plugged in)
2x100w deployable(wired series)
Splitter off Charge Controller to plug in roof and deployable(wired parallel because roof panel prob shaded)

2x100w connected series(positive connected to negative at panels) with the following?
https://www.amazon.com/Your-Superma...140&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=mc4+connector&psc=1

And then 40ft 10AWG to splitter at charge controller

At splitter(wired parallel in case roof panel in shade) use this connector?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4ELRSH?aaxitk=BYyVL-BNMArOPWuKqD6MaA

Here's a bad basic pic...


Will this work like I think? Can you understand the words I am typing and the pictures I am scribbling? Lol. Thnx

 

[jonsun]

hook it up and see

 

[Wabbit]

hook it up and see

Ordering the parts next week. Would rather not order the wrong parts\connectors, but seems like from what I've read, this should work. Saying that, be more comfortable if an expert ok'd it.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Unless the single panel output voltage is the same as the dual panels output voltage, (doubtful) then you will have a mis-match of voltage at the splitter. (~12-21 for the single 12v panel and ~24-42 for the 12v series wired panels)

You COULD wire a switch in the single panel positive line, or simply unplug either the single or the dual set depending on which set you are using.


Or...you could wire the dual set in parallel, assuming the controller will handle all of the combined amperage, about 6 amps (more or less) per panel, totalling about 18 amps or more in full sunlight.

 

[Wabbit]

OK, so you can't mix and match with odd number panels unless voltage matches, thnx for that heads up. I can live with parallel on all 3.

 

[jimindenver]

So you want to run the portable series series at a different voltage of the single roof top panel? The only way to do that would be with two controllers. You could run them all in parallel on either type of controller.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Yep...


If all 3 panels ratings are 12v, (~17v normally) and are wired parallel, the voltages should match up pretty closely.

Of course you will need 2 pairs of parallel MC4 combiners (splitters). One set on the dual panel combination, and then one set where you tie in with the existing roof panel. This will keep the output voltages the same, but the total amperage will be additive.

What type of controller? PWM or MPPT? And what are the ratings?

Just checking so we don't smoke anything!

 

[Wabbit]

Its a MPPT 20a Tracer 2215BN series. See link if curious. Panels will be 3 Renogy 100w mono panels. Have 1 panel currently, but upgraded my batts to 2x 6v 215ah and need more juice going into them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZV3I3UU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

EDIT: Panel specs

Maximum Power: 100W Maximum System Voltage: 600V DC (UL)
Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 18.9V Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc): 22.5V
Optimum Operating Current (Imp): 5.29A Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 5.75A
Weight: 16.5lbs Dimensions: 47.3 X 21.3 X 1.4 In


EDIT 2: Charge Controller specs


Technical Data
Nominal system voltage: 12VDC / 24VDC Auto work
Rated charge current:20A
Rated discharge current: 20A
Max. solar input voltage:150VDC
Max. PV input power:260W(12V battery) 520W(24V battery)
Self-consumption*:≤50mA(12V) ≤27mA(24V)
Dimension:216.6mm x 142.6mm x 56mm
Mounting hole size:Φ4.7
Power cable:10mm2
Weight: 1.5kg

Crap...just saw the 260w limit. Fart. Ideas? Prob just pick up 1 more panel and just use deployable...Unless with 3 100w won't hit that 260w with loss?

Or just unplug roof one when deployed...prob this.

 

[jimindenver]

You want to see what the controller does if it is over paneled. Some will just clip the excess watts/amps but not the Voc.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Yep....glad I asked about this.

With that controller you want to keep the total PV input at around 200 watts for safety margin when and if you get some high performance at high elevations.

If you want 200 watts in from the portable set, as when you are parked in the shade, then that would be ok, if you disconnect or unplug the roof panel.

Or, simpler and cheaper to use one panel, but, the panels could end up with varying outputs due to shade on one and not the other, so total voltages and amperages could vary by a wide margin, reducing output as a result.

Do you have the room on the roof to mount one additional panel? Run those in series and give the MPPT controller what it wants...I bet you would be happy with that level, assuming you have the room and the tools to get that done.

 

[akrvbob]

You could get a cheap controller for the roof panel and dedicate the Tracer for the remote panels. Laying them on the ground is a place where series really pays off since it lets you use a longer cord and the two panels are always beside each other and easily moved so they are not in the shade.

 

[Wabbit]

Yep....glad I asked about this.

Me too. I'm kicking myself for going 20a CC(to save about $50). The 40a model can handle like 520-560w. Ah, well. Kinda kicking myself(not really) for giving away my old PWM CC to a guy that needed it, that would have done what Bob suggested. For now, gonna go with one plug in off CC and when I'm driving have the roof one plugged in, and when parked, deploy the 200w.

Saying that, planting one on the roof is going to take some thinking. It has a double layer roof with 4" between layers and like a rubber coating on the outside(so can't bolt it to roof). So need to find an permanent adhesive that will hold some 1" PVC block(was thinking 1" pressure treated plywood maybe too) so I can screw into that to hold roof panel(s) on.

 

[Weight]

What Bob said. Treat the roof mount and the portable as two separate systems with two controllers.

 

[frater secessus]

You want to see what the controller does if it is over paneled. Some will just clip the excess watts/amps but not the Voc.

The Tracer A series will clip current only. 

Onlookers,  here is an intro to overpaneling.

 

[John61CT]

Excellent!

 

[Wabbit]

Nice explanation and reasoning in that link, Thnx Frater!

On a side note, I miss SternWake and his very informative posts.