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electrical:solar:series_vs_parallel [2016/11/26 14:50] frater_secessus [Parallel] first draft |
electrical:solar:series_vs_parallel [2017/07/26 07:13] frater_secessus [Parallel] |
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====== Series and Parallel solar arrays ====== | ====== Series and Parallel solar arrays ====== | ||
- | In general, parallel arrays of nominal 12v panels are used with [[electrical: | + | In general, parallel arrays of nominal 12v panels are used with [[electrical: |
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* higher PV voltage can run in relatively **thinner wires** to the charge controller | * higher PV voltage can run in relatively **thinner wires** to the charge controller | ||
* serial connections can provide **some charging in low-light situations** where lower voltage parallel or single-panel connections might not. Imagine two nominal 12v panels running at 11v in heavy cover: | * serial connections can provide **some charging in low-light situations** where lower voltage parallel or single-panel connections might not. Imagine two nominal 12v panels running at 11v in heavy cover: | ||
- | * higher voltages work well with MPPT controllers | + | * higher voltages |
- | * higher voltages can charge higher voltage battery systems like 24v. | + | * higher voltages can **charge higher voltage battery systems** like 24v. |
- | * more efficient than parallel when mixing PV of same Imp but different Vmp((https:// | + | * more efficient than parallel when **mixing PV of same Imp but different Vmp**((https:// |
+ | * slightly better than parallel when **mixing PV of different Imp //and// Vmp**((https:// | ||
* CON | * CON | ||
- | * series arrays can generate quite high operating voltages. | + | * series arrays can generate quite **high operating voltages**. Be sure your controller can handle the VoC with edge effect. |
- | * requires | + | * r**equires |
* thin film panels are generally not recommended for use in serial arrays | * thin film panels are generally not recommended for use in serial arrays | ||
- | * more susceptible to partial shading problems than parallel | + | |
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===== Parallel ===== | ===== Parallel ===== | ||
- | |||
* PRO | * PRO | ||
- | * less impacted by shade | + | * less impacted by partial |
* more efficient than series when mixing PV of **same Vmp but different Imp**((https:// | * more efficient than series when mixing PV of **same Vmp but different Imp**((https:// | ||
+ | * can use charge controllers with lower max voltage input rating | ||
+ | * can use simpler, less expensive PWM charge controllers with nominal 12v panels without losing much efficiency | ||
* CON | * CON | ||
- | * may not provide sufficient voltage to charge battery during | + | * may not provide sufficient voltage to charge battery during |
+ | * may not provide sufficient voltage to charge higher voltage (20 or 24v) battery banks | ||