4 solar panels, same specifications...what type of array you suggest to build?

Question: what are the pros and cons for my settings if I use 1 x 4 panel in series
4 x 23.9V = 95.6V :arrow_right: 95.6V / 10.74A

…or if I use 2 x 2 panel in series/parallel
2 x 23.9V = 47.8V, 2 x 10.74 = 21.48A :arrow_right: 47.8V / 21.48A

  • I know that both needs different parameter MPPT controller
  • I know that in series I reach the 5V extra voltage earlier to start the MPPT
  • I know that the shading has bigger affect on panels that connected in series
  • I know that if the short circuit current of the array is greater than the ‘maximum series fuse rating’ listed on the panel’s sticker then MC4 fuses must be used on the + right before the cable splitter

What else should I consider?

You’ll have the voltage, but no power, and it’s a “once per day” effect, I wouldn’t even think about it.

Yes, that’s a one time effect. True. But would you please explain a bit more why you wouldn’t even think about it?

What mppt are you planning to use?

What battery voltage are you planning?

And also look at the VOC in combination with temperature of the panels

MPPT is secondary. I will buy a new one that fits to the chosen combination and not backwards.

12V battery.

Because this effect might bring you some Ws, but we’re looking for Wh’s

I think the 2/2 is the best for you, you’ll be in the cheaper range of solar controllers.

Or, what I have done : build seperate strings of 2 panels in series and use separate MPPT’s.

Mine are designated left/right/rear to overcome the shading of the airconditioners.

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I would also suggest 2x2, i have all my panels in 2x2 although my system is bigger with multiple mppts

2x2 x6 on 6 mppts but i have no shading

If shading could be an issue get 2 (cheaper) mppts as Ludo wrote

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In series you will need a 150V MPPT because you are close to 100V it will exceed this on a cold day and damage the controller. In 2x2 you will be able to use a 75V or 100V controller. For DIYers new to electrics, 100V DC is in the range where you need to be careful. Mine are 2x2 to keep operating voltage to 50-60V, another vote for this arrangement.

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A bit of information on the topic and “entertainment”.
According to secret service information, recordings of the unknown vehicle were made a few hours ago in the Denmark cluster …

The reconnaissance was facilitated because, according to “still unconfirmed” information, the vehicle is supplied 24/7 by a heat generator of unknown origin.
Images of the (narrow) battery compartment can only be obtained from close range, as it is obviously protected by some kind of cloaking device.

For this reason, the secret service classifies this vehicle as an “escape, supply and rescue vehicle” of the “curtain class” (ESRV – CC).
The vehicle will be equipped with a 4th front panel for energy generation in the coming weeks. However, this will only slightly change the external appearance. A striking feature will be the deployment of an additional panel in the space of the control bridge … However, this will then be equipped with an additional energy converter … Mppt for short.
The relatively poor distribution of the panels on the outer shell now forces the engineers to consider the question of distribution.
2 x 2 or 1 x 4 … The additional placement of another Mppt is still pending…
Evaluations will of course follow …

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I see your 5 panels.
I raise to 7 panels :).

Steffen! You are killing me!:smile::smile::smile::smile:

That’s a very secret 2kW chinese diesel heater.:shushing_face:

Actually it is a fair size compartment I only limited the size of the solar stuffs I want to have there because I need more space for my other important stuffs like…lemme see…(lookin’ right now)…some boxes with aquarium stuffs, (wo)man toolkit to repair sutffs, smaller boxes with whatever stuff (…that I was looking for weeks ago and didn’t find🤔 until now😄)

In which country does this vehicle with such panels drive? :thinking:

Mostly in DK. Rarely a bit lower on the map in the EU.
Wanna move to Portugal on one day :roll_eyes: …where I can harvest 10kw on one day with one single 50W solar panel.:smile:

I would still opt for the 1 x 4 variant simply because the PV voltage is highest here and the modules do not interfere with each other in terms of charging current due to the series connection. In the 2 x 2 arrangement, I would always be concerned that the operating points of the very different panels would interfere too much when using an Mppt.
This cannot happen in the 1x4 arrangement.
And since P still = U x I, it wouldn’t matter in an ideal situation. But this ideal view does not exist due to the unfavorable roof shape of the “ESRV-CC”.
This speaks in favor of using a 150/35 …

Hehe…that is smart. Especially that additional panel on the back of the RV.:smile: It looks like it’s able to flip it down during driving. Do you have more pics? This is cute lol.

This can have an aircon inside for sure.:snowflake:

:sweat_smile: … haha
The Question was for klim8skeptic … because the Mounting of the Panels…

Whatever :woman_shrugging:t3: …now you know more of my solar plans than you wanted to. :smile:

This is the advantage of a “box body”
Nice and square and lots of space …

@pwfarnell A few words off-topic: I asked the staff to delete the LiTime battery topic. They did. I think I changed some emails about the parameters of their batteries with the cleaning staff at LiTime.:roll_eyes::woman_shrugging:t3::smile:

I don’t really understand it but I am sure you do.:face_with_spiral_eyes: