Optimal PV voltage for the MPPT 100/30

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captkirk asked Jan 28, '24

Optimal PV voltage for the MPPT 100/30

Looking at the specification data sheet for the MPPT 100/30, it states a maximum efficiency of 98%.

I was wonder at what PV input voltage this is at? I have two 20V solar panels and was wondering if I should put them in parallel or series? Paralled would only provide ~18V peak, while the series connection would do ~36V peak. Was thinking if they were in series the solar charge would wake up and charge earlier and go to sleep later versus the parallel configuration. But if I am sacraficing efficiency at the higher voltage perhaps in th end -- all is equal?

Thanks!

MPPT SmartSolar Solar Panel

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Answer 1 · 2024-01-28T21:03:55Z

kevgermany answered · Jan 28 at 09:03 PM

Most of us would wire in series. 18V peak won't start charging a 12V AGM if it is close to float voltage. Series also has the advantage of lower current to the MPPT, reducing losses between panels and MPPT. If there's a long run, these losses add up.

But sorry, no idea on efficiency.

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Answer 2 · 2024-01-31T02:25:31Z

captkirk answered · Jan 31 at 02:25 AM

There is a short distance (6 feet) between PV's and solar controller so the wire expence will be minimal if I need to go with larger. Mainly wondering if higher voltages supplied to the solar controller and convertered at less efficiency? Read that you should check with the manuafatcurer and supply close to the optimal volatge to the controller (assuming that the wire runs are not a big factor). Did not see anything in the online documentation for the Smart Solar 100/30 controller.

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