Effectivness and advantage of seperated MPPT solar controllers for differently oriented PV panels?

DIY
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1

I know that combining differently oriented PV panels with different irradiation may decrease the overall performance of the setup. Generally, it might be beneficial to install different trackers for differently oriented panels. However, I find it difficult to judge how relevant the difference is and if the additional costs of extra trackers are worth it. How relevant is the effect in general? How relevant might the effect be in the following setup?

A small leisure boat has 2x2 PV panels on the midship between the companionway and the main mast, i.e. aft of the main mast. The panels are mounted on a support frame like a gable roof. Two panels are facing portside, two panels are facing starboard. The boom of the main sail is above the panels. This means, depending on the ships orientation, two panels on one side are facing the sun while the other two panels on the other side are in the shadows of the main sail. When the boat beats about the side take turns.

I am considering the following two options:

  1. On each side the two panels are connected in series as a string. The two strings are connected in parallel to a single MPPT 75/15. So it is basically a 2x2 configuration.
  2. On each side the two panels are connected in series as a string. Each string is connected to its own MPPT 75/10.
2

The cost is trivial, so if it were me, I would go with two MPPTs. The next best approach is to connect them to a single MPPT in 2s2p configuration as you mentioned. From an engineering standpoint there might be a slight difference in output, but it’s hardly worth bothering with in my opinion :slight_smile:

If you were sailing for extended durations or on open water then having two MPPTs offers a bit of redundancy. But for a small leisure craft this is likely not worth bothering with.

Sorry I wasn’t more helpful and just shared opinions.