I’m putting together an off grid system for a modest size home. I’ve used the Victron MPPT calculator for different PV panels to match my needs.
I’m looking for a daily output of about 17 kWh (winter min. Temp -30C) and 24 kWh(summer max temp 35C) using the SmartSolar MPPT RS 450|200. The panels would be pole mounted on the ground.
Difficult to answer without knowing where in the world you are.
Irradiance figures will matter.
For example where we are, irradiance averages 5.5/700w/m². We have a daily average if 5 solar peak production hours.
Your set up would make an average of 28kw at 700w/m² per day here. (Obviously some days will be very low due to rain etc - so size the bank to meet at least 1 day autonomy \ 25kwh or - 3 if you have the budget)
You have your answer… The graph gives a basic idea of what to expect if the panels are in one optimal orientation. Does it meet what you are expecting for your daily expected needs?
If not maybe add a bit more.if you have various orientations.
400ish watt panels are a good match for the 450/200 in strings of 6. This is what you also show in your example. Our go-to panel for roof mounts or to sell to DIY installers is the Hyperion HY-DH108P8B 405W bi-facial P-type panel. They are inexpensive, well built, and look good (black on black). However, the string voltage will only be between 160V-240V depending on the panel temperatures.
If your PV installation will be far away from the MPPTs then you might prefer panels that output a higher voltage and less current to reduce any line losses (voltage drop).
24 of the above panels will give you the daily energy you want and one 450/200 will handle it.
I was considering pole mounting the panels in six packs along an east-west axis to minimize one pole mount shading another. I like the idea of seasonally adjusting the angle. We get a range of between 20 and 50 degrees.
With this set-up I’d be looking at the first pole being about 30 feet from the charge controller. With each additional pole being roughly another 15 to 20 feet away.
Those distances aren’t far at all so no worries. Seasonal adjustable mounts are great, but generally more expensive. You can also get a fixed-tilt array and add a couple of extra panels to get the same output at lower overall cost. You can over panel the 450/200 a bit.
Check out pricing for ground mounts vs top-of-pole (TOP) mounts. You might find the ground mounts to be more desirable.
Tiltable ground mounts - Sinclair Design and Engineering probably has the best
Fixed ground mounts - look at APA Solar or Tamarack Solar. Both are very good, but Tamarack mounts allow you to purchase your steel pipe locally and likely save quite a bit on freight shipping. APA Solar is great, but you will be shipping a 12’-16’ long pallet from Ohio to Maine. That will be expensive.
I have a 450/100 with east west array. It works best with this MPPT and the 2 trackers. I have 7x390w 49V panels. I get 9-10 amps at 240v MPPT 2100-2400W per a tracker. I should have put 8, but ran out of STC credits, and the installer did not order more. I have a large 20-panel array north-facing on 2x AC inverters as well grid-tied.
