I have 2x160watt solar panels controlled by a Victron MPPT100/30. Works great! Want to add another 200 watt solarpanel. Should I buy another 100/30 for that panel, or replace both with a 100/50? Many thanks
asked
One big or two small MPPT?
I was in a similar situation recently. I already had a 100/30 and was looking to add more panels. I ended up getting another 100/30. For a couple of reasons, 1) Cost...it was cheaper to buy a 100/30 then have buy something bigger and figure out what to do with my current 100/30 which I already owned. 2) Redundancy...incase there was a hardware failure I'd still be able to provide some charging because I'd have 2 MPPTs instead of just one. I haven't looked at the numbers in your case to see what makes more sense but just my thoughts on what I ended up doing. Good luck!
My understanding is that having similar panels on an mppt is more efficient than mixed panels. So a second mppt for the new panel would be preferable. Configure the VE.Smart network to allow the MPPTs to synchronise charging.
A 100/30 is overkill for a single 200W panel though. Assuming you're running a 12V system you can put 440W through one. You'd be much better suited by a 75/15, which has a nominal power rating of 220W.
