Pv combiner needed?

anthonyyates87

So I have 7 280w panels rated at 44.4 voc and 7.85 amps at max. Do I wire in parallel to a pv combiner box or just parallel to charge controller. The info is a bit contradictory.

BB.

Welcome to the forum Anthony,

What is the Vmp/Imp (voltage and current, maximum power)?

What is the voltage/AH rating/type of battery bank you have (or are planning)?

What charge controller(s) are you using/thinking of using (MPPT or PWM, any Brand/Models)?

Roughly, were will the system be installed (hours of sun per day, temperature range, over the 4 seasons)?

And, just to put a bow on it... What are your loads (Watt*Hours per day, peak Watts, full time off grid, summer cabin, etc.)?

-Bill

mvas

anthonyyates87 said:

So I have 7 280w panels rated at 44.4 voc and 7.85 amps at max. Do I wire in parallel to a pv combiner box or just parallel to charge controller. The info is a bit contradictory.

Typically, many PV Panels are not "just wired in parallel".
The individual PV Panel wires go into the Combiner Box ...
example:  https://www.solar-electric.com/misomnsoarco5.html
The Combiner box contains Fuses or Circuit Breakers to protect each of the PV Panels.
Only the output side of the Fuses or Circuit Breakers are then connected in parallel.
Hence the name "Combiner" box - many PV Cables coming in and one fat cable going out to the charge controller ...