I’m chasing maximum efficiency (not at mercy of shading on roof
So
Am I better running 3 separate MPPTs or will a mppt 150/35 work
For each of these series strings?
And if these are later grouped in parallel I will be at the mercy of the weakest link.
going on a caravan
48V lithium system
3000 W invertor
string 1: 6 x 12V 115 W series poly
string 2 : 4 x 12v 175W series mono
String 3: 4 x 12v 55W series.mono
Do you have the specs for the 3 panels?
How cold during winter?
Do you want to get creative?
victron 115w,12 volt, 6.04amp, open circuit v 23.32
victron 175w,12 volt, 9.03 amp open circuit v 23.7
victron 55w 12 volt,2.94 amp,open circuit v 22.9
coldest say 5 degrees
yes want good options pls.
coldest say 5 degrees
5 degree Fahrenheit?
That rules out 100v controllers.
I think you can get all those panels onto 2 x Smartsolar 100/20 - 48.
CC1 with 4 series 175w victrons.
CC2 with 2 strings of panels.
Parallel 2 x 55w panels, then add those in series, to a string of 3 series 115w victrons.
so 3 x 2 parallel 115 W panels? yes that makes sense what you said.
I don't think there is a downside to running three units together. I'm currently doing that myself. I think the cost of buying the units would be the downside. If you get smart controllers you can synchronize them and they talk and work great in my experience.
I think you can figure out a way to string the panels to a bigger controller but three separate units controlling three different kinds of panels together might have its benefits too.
Is there a reason you a running a bunch of small panels instead of a few large panels? The REC 330 watt panels are CHEAP and usually the size of two 100 watt panels side by side. I would check them out if you havent already. If you can fit 3-4 up top you'll be perfect.
I would also just lose string 3. 4 x 55 watt panels aren't going to be any help at all. Just ditch those. You'll pull in like 20-30 watts total with those at high noon if you're lucky. I think those wouldn't be worth the wire. Maybe use those for the engine battery if you already have them.
Thank you. due to roof configuration, with vents and sat dish etc, the panels chosen now take up entire roof area, yes true 55W not much, but i have them, so may as well use them .
yes will run 3 mppts. as per your suggestion.
i appreciate your knowledge.
Thank you, really appreciated , have a good night .
