130 watt module in series with a 50 watt module

stooper2
stooper2 Solar Expert Posts: 41 ✭✭
in General Solar Power Topics #1
Is there anything I should know if I do this. I need 24 volts from my panels and was curious if I had to have a blocking diode for this application? If I do need a diode, can someone give me specifics on wiring?

Thanks in advance.

Rick
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • crewzer
    crewzer Registered Users, Solar Expert Posts: 1,832 ✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: 130 watt module in series with a 50 watt module

    This probably won't work particularly well, as the 50 W module's current will limit the 130 W module's operating current. Can you tell us which brand & model PV modules you're considering?

    Regards,
    Jim / crewzer
    · Share on Twitter
  • System2
    System2 Posts: 6,290 admin
    #3
    Re: 130 watt module in series with a 50 watt module
    crewzer wrote:
    the 50 W module's current will limit the 130 W module's operating current.
    Regards,
    Jim / crewzer
    I agree 100%. I expect that you would get a grand total of about 100 watts from the combined panels if they are wired in series.
    Is the 130 watt unit capable of being rewired as (switched to) a 24 volt panel? If so, you'd be better off using the one 24 volt 130 watt panel. Often the higher wattage panels can be wired for either 12, or 24 volt operation.
    Good luck
    Wayne
    · Share on Twitter
  • stooper2
    stooper2 Solar Expert Posts: 41 ✭✭
    #4
    Re: 130 watt module in series with a 50 watt module

    Thanks for the quick reply.

    The panels are Kyocera and the 130 watt panel is 12 volt only.

    No big deal. I was just trying to get a little more power from them.

    Now, is it possible to wire the panels together for 12 volt operation?
    · Share on Twitter
  • crewzer
    crewzer Registered Users, Solar Expert Posts: 1,832 ✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: 130 watt module in series with a 50 watt module

    What brand / model is the 50 W module?
    · Share on Twitter
  • stooper2
    stooper2 Solar Expert Posts: 41 ✭✭
    #6
    Re: 130 watt module in series with a 50 watt module

    Kyocera 130 watts - 8 amps. The 50 watt is a Kyocera also at 3 amps. Could these be wired together in a 12 volt system?
    · Share on Twitter
  • crewzer
    crewzer Registered Users, Solar Expert Posts: 1,832 ✭✭✭✭
    #7
    Re: 130 watt module in series with a 50 watt module

    Wiring the two in parallel for a "12 V" system will work well enough. The 130 is rated at 17.6 V Vmp, and the 50 is rated at 17.4 Vmp, so the two together will operate at ~17.4 V under STC conditions. If using a PWM controller, they'll operate at a voltage a bit higher than the battery voltage.

    HTH,
    Jim / crewzer
    · Share on Twitter
  • stooper2
    stooper2 Solar Expert Posts: 41 ✭✭
    #8
    Re: 130 watt module in series with a 50 watt module

    Thanks very much for the info.
    · Share on Twitter

Categories