40 amps * 36.5 volts = 1,460 Watts from solar array
40 amp controller / 9.87 Amps Imp = ~4.1 panels = 4 LG panels maximum in parallel
Check the owner's manual... Many times there are deratings and you may, for example, only be "allowed" to put 3x LG panels on the controller (NEC deratings, etc.). You do not want to exceed the controller's maximum current rating. (MPPT type charge controllers--A completely different story).
If you have a 12 volt battery bank, the controller will work fine (PWM--Pulse Width Modulated) but the Vmp~36.5 volts will be too high--And you will only "use" about 1/2 of the solar panel Wattage.
For a 12 volt battery bank, you want Vmp=~17.5 to 18.5 VDC to "match" the 12 volt battery charging voltage.
-Bill
Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
Thank you Bill! I have ordered a Renogy 60A MPPT... got a great price - problem solved. I will have all the power I need with room to expand. I very much appreciate your wise counsel and research.
Comments
If your battery bank is 24 volts, then the LG panel specifications are a good/efficient match:
https://www.lg.com/us/business/solar-panels/lg-LG360Q1C-A5
- MPP Voltage (Vmpp) = 36.5 Volts
- MPP Current (Impp) = 9.87 Amps
Power wise:- 40 amps * 36.5 volts = 1,460 Watts from solar array
- 40 amp controller / 9.87 Amps Imp = ~4.1 panels = 4 LG panels maximum in parallel
Check the owner's manual... Many times there are deratings and you may, for example, only be "allowed" to put 3x LG panels on the controller (NEC deratings, etc.). You do not want to exceed the controller's maximum current rating. (MPPT type charge controllers--A completely different story).If you have a 12 volt battery bank, the controller will work fine (PWM--Pulse Width Modulated) but the Vmp~36.5 volts will be too high--And you will only "use" about 1/2 of the solar panel Wattage.
For a 12 volt battery bank, you want Vmp=~17.5 to 18.5 VDC to "match" the 12 volt battery charging voltage.
-Bill