Can my classic 150 handle solar panel in series parallel combination ?
My setup is 16 panel 245 watts @8.5A, 32volts they are all wires in series sets of four. which is 128V @ 8.5A.
Four of the panels gets a lot of shading, my question is.. can I wired those 4 in series parallel combination to the same combiner box and the classic 150.
So the set of three would be 128V @ 8.5A 12 Panel
and the set of four would be 64 V @ 17A 4 Panel (would 10AWG wire enough for the current,, 20ft run)
Will this work or will it create some kind of voltage/current road block in the system?
thanks
Hi energy..,
You will not want to run strings of four PVs in series on a Classic 150. This input voltage is too high.
AND, it seems that you are asking about running strings of PVs with very different voltages in parallel into a single Classic. Normally parallel strings must have string Vmps that are within about 10% or each other. Ideally, probably Vmps within 5%, would be better.
For 60 cell PVs on a Classic 150, strings of three is generally the most you will want to use.
The Classic String Sizing Tool will help you learn the string configurations that will work best for your needs:
http://midnitesolar.com/sizingTool/index.php
FWIW, Vic
The panel were purchase used they are from a local solar farm, I think they are not putting out the rated spec anymore so that's why I have 4 per string, all the panel are the same spec.
the system been up and running for 3 months now with now VOC alert. they generate only 15.5kw per day, they are very used.
I was not sure about combining series and parallel to the same charge controller.
Hi energy..,
OK, just wanted to mention, that strings of four 245 W PVs, with Vmps of about 30-ish V, and Vocs of about 37-ish V would not be ideal for a Classic 150.
Would guess that the Voc might be the largest issue, where the Classic may spend some time Resting. AND, the Classic would probably run a bit warm/hot much of the other times.
But, we cannot know most of the details of the system, its environment, etc … it is great that it is meeting your expectations.
If you were considering running one set of PVs that used strings of four, and trying to run another array with strings of two of those 245 W PVs in parallel, it would seem to be a bad idea, IMO.
Vic
ok thanks for the info, I think I will leave the parallel string out of the mix