A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

General Category => System Design and Layout => Topic started by: 73-GMC-RV on February 24, 2019, 04:12:09 PM

Title: What Solar Controller would you recommend for 4 of these panels on top of my RV?
Post by: 73-GMC-RV on February 24, 2019, 04:12:09 PM
I am mounting 4 of these Sunpower 435 watt panels on my RV roof.
48 Volt Lithium Battery Bank

1) What controller would you use for my 48 volt battery bank?
2) Wire in Series / Par.
1 of 4
2 of 2

3) In addition I am wiring 2 additional of these panels - mounted on the side of my RV that will be able to tilt up like a small awning over a window, but these 2 panels will be on a smaller controller. I assume that is better as they would be getting different lighting than my roof in must cases. I assume maybe a small controller for each side panel would be a good idea. As one side of the RV may be shaded while the opposite side may be in full sun.

Panels being used for this system.
Sunpower
https://us.sunpower.com/sites/sunpower/files/media-library/data-sheets/sunpower-e-series-commercial-solar-panels-e20-435-com-datasheet-521912-revb_1.pdf
SPR-E20-435-COM
Rated Power - 435 W
Nominal Power (Pnom)6 435 W
Power Tolerance +5/âˆ'3%
Avg. Panel Efficiency 20.3%
Rated Voltage (Vmpp) 72.9 V
Rated Current (Impp) 5.97 A
Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc) 85.6 V
Short-Circuit Current (Isc) 6.43 A
Max. System Voltage 1500 V UL & 1000 V IEC
Maximum Series Fuse 15 A
Power Temp Coef. âˆ'0.35% / o C
Voltage Temp Coef. âˆ'235.5 mV / o C
Current Temp Coef. 2.6 mA / o C
Operating Condition And Mechanical Data
Temperature âˆ'40° F to +185° F (âˆ'40° C to +85° C)
Impact Resistance 1 inch (25 mm) diameter hail at 52 mph (23 m/s)
Appearance Class B
Solar Cells 128 Monocrystalline Maxeon Gen II
Tempered Glass High-transmission tempered anti-reflective
Junction Box IP-65, MC4 compatible
Weight 56 lbs (25.4 kg)
Max. Load Wind: 50 psf, 2400 Pa front & back
Snow: 112 psf, 5400 Pa front
Frame Class 2 silver anodized; stacking pins
Title: Re: What Solar Controller would you recommend for 4 of these panels on top of my RV?
Post by: mike90045 on February 24, 2019, 04:30:49 PM
Only panels with like insolation (all with the same sun angle and no shade) should be in series or sharing a controller.

Panels with different angles should be on their own controller.  Shade on even a portion of a panel will greatly impact it's performance.
Title: Re: What Solar Controller would you recommend for 4 of these panels on top of my RV?
Post by: 73-GMC-RV on February 24, 2019, 04:36:04 PM
Yes, I figured that I needed main controller for roof panels and Separate smaller individual controller(s) for each side panel.

Any suggestions for a Main controller for the roof = 4 panels to get the most power from the powerful panels.?

Title: Re: What Solar Controller would you recommend for 4 of these panels on top of my RV?
Post by: ClassicCrazy on February 24, 2019, 04:48:24 PM
Try out your panels in the Midnite string size calculator
It will evaluate all the options of configuration.
http://www.midnitesolar.com/sizingTool/displaySizing.php

Larry