Combining Solar Panels??

54d18
54d18 Solar Expert Posts: 81 ✭✭✭
in General Solar Power Topics #1
I currently have 2-75w Siemens Panels,
could I connect 2-80w Sharp panels into
my system without trouble?
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Combining Solar Panels??
    54d18 wrote: »
    I currently have 2-75w Siemens Panels,
    could I connect 2-80w Sharp panels into
    my system without trouble?

    If the VMP's are within 10% of each other their should be no problem.
    Is this a parallel or series connection?
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  • 54d18
    54d18 Solar Expert Posts: 81 ✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: Combining Solar Panels??

    My 75w panels are presently connected parallel
    at 12v, I would be reconfiguring my solar array
    to 24v when I add more panels.

    I am patiently awaiting a Rogue controller, on its
    way as we speak, my old controller was a shunt,
    that's why I am at 12v.
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  • myocardia
    myocardia Solar Expert Posts: 118 ✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: Combining Solar Panels??

    In this instance, what you're wanting to do will work out perfectly. Instead of seriesing the new panels with the old panels, parallel one old panel with one new panel, then series the two identical "12V" pairs to each other. You'll end up with a perfectly balanced 24V system.
    DoD= depth of discharge= amount removed from that battery   SoC= state of charge= amount remaining in that battery
    So, 0% DoD= 100% SoC, 25% DoD= 75% SoC, 50% DoD= 50% SoC, 75% DoD= 25% SoC, 100% DoD= 0% SoC
    A/C= air conditioning AC= alternating current (what comes from the outlets in your home) DC= direct current (what batteries & solar panels use)
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    #5
    Re: Combining Solar Panels??

    Actually, you also need to look matching the Imp within 10% too.

    If the Vmp of the panels is "close enough"--just put the matched pairs in series and add the strings in parallel.

    It really depends on the specifications of the panels you have on-hand...

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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