Solar Panels - Serial, Parallel, Both?

[user 29855]

Hi, I'm installing a second Renogy 200 watt solar panel in my van this weekend, and I had a thought. (I know, I know..... Shouldn't be thinking..) I have a 40 amp double-pole, double throw switch, and was thinking of installing it as shown in the diagram. That way, I could select the position which gave me the best performance for where I was parked. (cloudy day, partial obstruction of one or both panels due to buildings, trees, UFO's, zombies, etc.)

Any thoughts?

Thanks very much,

Geneeus

 

[user 29855]

oops, forgot the diagram....

 

[RvNaut]

Interesting.... I don;t think, that with two panels, in your situation, it will matter, and it makes it all more complicated for no real gain.

 

[abnorm]

What Solar Controller ?

 

[tx2sturgis]

I can see a benefit in certain situations, such as when one panel is shaded, from a tree or whatever, and you could switch to parallel so that the shaded panel in series wont be the bottleneck, when switched to parallel.

If both panels are in full sun you would want the switch flipped to series.

Don't let Renogy see your plans or they might make this a 'feature' in some future solar charge controllers!

 

[user 29855]

What Solar Controller ?

Renogy 40 Amp MPPT Solar. According to Renogy support, it can handle two 200 watt panels.​