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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Boondocking, Solar Power, and Related Items -> solar power
Post Info TOPIC: solar power
chy46


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Hi u All ,   here,s a Q. about solar panels .  I think I know the reasons behind the wiring of panels in series and or parallel  so my Q. is ----   what have YOU done and are you satisfied  ???      Just to let you know  I,ve  got two 160W panels , 18V , 8.89 amp  ,,,,12 volt  ,  also 40 amp mttp charge controller  and 10 gage wire .   I can go ether way and expand if need be . ( I think )      What say you ??



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jimindenver


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What MPPT controller do you have?

In any event with a MPPT controller you would be able to go either way, so I would see which gives you the best results. You should get more out of series especially early on and in less than optimal light.

All of my panels are the larger 24v type and I have no choice but to run them with a MPPT controller and yes, I am thrilled with them.

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Neil and Connie


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Series at just a bit less than max voltage for the controller is the most efficient. If more than that then a series/parallel combo is best. We have 8 100 watt panels on two banks of 4. 



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chy46


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J , I have a Tracer MTTP 40 CC from Renogy and N & C it sure would be nice to have all that room for those panels . Q. - I ,m I right to say that amps charge the battery ? If so in par. you double amps , in series you go for more volts , can I get more amps going in series than in par. with the mttp ? The more I think of this the more befuddled I get . Seeing that I have only two panels , before I mount them I will try series & or par. out in Yuma and see what happens . thanks guys

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Jack Mayer


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You might want to take a look at my website. I cover most of the issues and education on series/parallel, etc. Look in the Electrical section.



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Bill and Linda


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Jack’s website is the place to get a lot of good info and as a bonus its quite correct. 

I have the same panels you’re using by spec.  Here is my perspective and – “It depends.”  I’ve run tests in both configurations – mine are in parallel and here is why:

First, I have #2 wire coming from the roof.  That’s important IF you wire in parallel because the voltage will be lower and you need low resistance wire.  #4 is “OK” IMO but #2 is better. 

In parallel if there is any shade on one panel the output of the other panel is not impacted.  In series if you have any shade on a panel then the overall output of all panels is reduced much more in series than in parallel.

When I ran the tests – same panels – same situation – I notice no reduction in output when in parallel vs. series in full sun.  However, in series there was a reduction with shade.  (Remember – clouds are shade.)

For us, allowing for different camping situations in addition to just being in a totally open area, parallel turned out to be the best choice for us.

All this assumes you to have a quality MPPT controller, etc.

BTW, on their website AM Solar posted  a report with a similar finding as ours. 



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jrzygrl64


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We had our system designed (Bill helped in the design after his own extensive research) and installed by Greg Young of RV Solar Solutions. He and his wife, Cori, are here on the forum as The Restless Youngs. They also have a website and FB page.

Tell him Bill and Kelly sent you

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LarryW21


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Parallel! I camp in some shady areas and hopefully one panel is producing at a good rate. 



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Winnebago TT 2101DS & 2020 Silverado LTZ Z71. 300 watts WindyNation solar w/MPPT, 2 Trojan T-125s. TALL flag pole. Prefer USFS, COE, BLM, USF&WS, NPS, TVA, state/county camps. 14 year Army vet-11B40 then 11A - old MOS 1542 & 1560.
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