Want to replace a damaged panel in array -- looking for electrically compatible one.

Fenachrone

I lost a panel to the hurricane that hit Prince Edward Island.  I have (had) six SolarWorld Sunmodule SW235 V2.5 panels, purchased in 2012.    SolarWorld is out of business.   While I'll one day update the array, I just want to get a panel back in there and helping charge my batteries. My charge controller is an Outback MX60.  

These were set up in two strings of three each.  The Sunmodule is a 60 cell polycrystalline type.

I know there can be problems combining panel types with different characteristics.

These are the electrical characteristics of the Sunmodule:

Watts (STC)     235 W
Watts (PTC)     170.4 W
Max Power Voltage (VMPP)     37.0 V
Max Power Current (IMPP)     8.35 A
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC)     30.0 V
Short Circuit Current (ISC)     7.85 A
Max System Voltage (UL)     DC 600 V

I have access to panels locally nearby my home there and would rather not have to cart one of from my home in New England.

The brand they carry is GMA Solar; this model is GMAP6-60-270W, also polycrystalline, 60 cells.

Here are the electrical characteristics of this panel:

Peak Power                        Pmax(w)  270

Maximum Power Voltage   Vmp (V)    30.94

Maximum Power Current   Imp (A)      8.80

Open-circuit voltage           Voc (V)     39.26

Short-circuit current            Isc  (A)     9.41 

Module efficiency                n(%)       16.59

Maximum System Voltage  UL           DC600V 

Thanks for any comments.

Vic

Hi Fenachrome,

It looks like you have swapped the Imp, and the Isc AND the Vmp and Voc, for the SW235.

The customary rule-of-thumb for adding strings,  or PVs,  is that Vmp and Imp should ideally be within 5% of each other, and, not more than 10% difference.

Looks like the Vmps match is a bit below 10%,  but probably close enuf,  for this application.   In a quick search, did not find the 235 Poly,  just a Mono.

But you should not have to worry about the differences,  a bit of the capability of the 270 would not be used,  but,  who cares ? !!

IMO, Vic

Fenachrone

Whoops... 

Here's from a site that has the panel shown:  https://www.ecodirect.com/SolarWorld-SW-235-Poly-235W-30V-Solar-Panel-p/solarworld-sw235-poly-25.htm

And the GMA:   https://www.thecabindepot.ca/collections/panels/products/270-watt-poly-solar-panel

Thx

Vic

Fenachrome,

OK,  I apologize for attributing those errors,  to you ...   sorrrrry.

Those specs are swapped on that SW235 data table,  simply cannot be,  where Vmp is higher than Voc,  and Imp is higher than Isc,  the way I am reading data from that Link.   Am using a Raspberry Pi tiny computer,  so it is a bit slow,  and do not now have the data from your first link, visible  ...  but, I had assumed that the 235 Poly Vmp was 0.5 V lower than that of the 235 Mono, that I had.

EDIT:   Here is a believable data sheet for an SW235 Mono:
https://www.solarelectricsupply.com/solarworld-sw-235-mono-solar-grid-tie-panel

Vmp is 30.3 V,  so it appears that your GMA 270 is within about 1% of the SW235,  should be fine,  and dandy, IMO.

You should be fine,  good choice!

Good Luck,   Vic

Fenachrone

Thanks!  I really appreciate your taking the time to respond!

Vic

You are most welcome.   Vic