Differences Between Two Panels

xyzHollyxyz

My friend is looking at a small solar system for her RV - one, maybe two, 100W panels, 12V. What are the differences between these two panels - I see the differing numbers, but I don't know what the differences mean (except the price - know what THAT means!)

Thanks for your input. 

Raj174

Hi Holly,

The main difference is the size of the panel. Although they are both 100 watt panels, the monocrystalline panel produces more power per square inch, making it about 6 inches more narrow. These are used if the space for the panels is restricted. And as you can see, you pay extra for THAT.

Rick

xyzHollyxyz

"I thought they were both mono?", she said, scratching her head...

So, basically, it's just a size and weight thing? (and more $$$)? 

Raj174

How about that, I thought it was a misprint, but on Renogy's site they state they are both mono. The Eclipse (read more expensive) is apparently  made of the highest quality cells Renogy has to offer.   

Vic

Hi xyz..,

The "best" cells may just be more efficient.

There IS also a difference in the Vmp and Imp (operating voltage and current) difference between these tow 100 W PVs.

So,  there is a bit of fine detail in how your system might operate with these differences.

Assume that you would be using these PVs to charge a battery.   And might assume that you would be using a PWM type Charge Controller (CC).

A PWM CC would generally deliver a bit more current to your battery with the PV with the lower voltage,  but with somewhat higher current  --  only about 5 watts more with the more expensive PV.

Could you tell us more about the system that you have or are planning?

Like battery size and type,  system voltage,  amount of PV power you are planning,  and CC model being used or planned,  any inverter size,  brand and model,   etc.

As you know the details of the system does depend upon the loads placed on the system,  when these loads occur,  and the peak demand of the loads,  plus the approximate location of the system,  which helps determine that actual amount of useful sun that could be expected,   and so on.

Thanks,   Vic

xyzHollyxyz

I posted the original post for my friend, and she just now posted about a charge controller. Her user name is YodaRules. But I think I will post my set-up and needs for analysis. THANK YOU, Vic!