Midnight Classic 150 Controller and different set of panels

[Ozz]

Hi,
Planning my solar for my Montana 5th wheel RV
I measured my roof, and found room for 3 of the 315 Watt; SW-315 XL Mono panels and 2 of the Top Point 190; JTM 190-72M panels. I would like the Midnight Classic 150 Controller and Battery Temp Monitor. I like the removable panel on the 150 and it's looks.

I do have my own batteries, 6 T-105's 225 AH as well as a Magnum MS-2012 Inverter.

I also bought the Midnight Lightning and surge protector.

The area we will be staying at is in Arizona and New Mexico.

Will these panels and controller work with each other? and how would I wire them to work best?

Before I finalize the order, I will make final measurements on the roof of my 5th wheel.

Thanks Ozz

[vtmaps]

Will these panels and controller work with each other? and how would I wire them to work best?

Welcome to the Midnite forum,

Your question will be very easy to answer if you provide us with the Voc, Vmp, and Imp of the panels.

If you think there may be shading differences among the panels (even an antenna or overhead power line), you might be better off with a larger number of smaller panels.

--vtMaps

[tecnodave]

Ozz,

You will need to post a little more data for a reasonable solution.
The Top Point panels are 72 cell as are the JTM panels. I do not know of the XL-315 panels. If these are also 72 cell panels it probably will work good.  If those XL-315 panels are 60 cell, pick something else.......keep them close in voltage!

Generally all panels connected in parallel should have a MPP voltage within 1 volt or so.
Panels in series need to have the same current at Pmax.

With a 12 volt system and 34 volt panels I would think a all parallel setup would be best, particularly if you will have any shading issues.

What not to do is try to mix 60 cell and 72 cell panels on one controller. The voltages are too different and efficiency will suffer.

I use a Classic 150 with Suntech 280 watt 72 cell panels, Sharp 170 watt 72 cell panels, top Point 190 watt , 72 cell ,and Eoplly 205 watt 72 cell panels with no problems at all .......but I spent the time to find panels with very closely matched voltage at max power!

Post more info and others will offer their advice.

td

[Ozz]

Thanks,
I have on my wish list and what will fit on my roof of my RV; 3-315 Watt SW 315-XL Mono panels VOC 45.6 V VMP 35.5 ISC 9.35 Amps Imp 8.71 Amps;  also might have room for an additional 190, so 3-190 watt JTM-190 72M panels, VMP 36.5 volts DC IMP 5.20 amps VOC 43.8 volts DC ISC 5.83  so, it looks like I do need two controllers, I would like to have the Midnight 150's, I like the controllers and the removable readouts, they would look good mounted next to each other, and would program and work identical.
How would I wire these panels and would it be Ok to run the panel wires all the way down to the Breaker box in the cargo (basement) area of the RV, or is that too long of a run?
Thanks for your help.
Ozz

[zoneblue]

Are you sure the Kid mightnt be a better controller?

Note: this thread is misfiled. Hey Tom, can you move it to System Layout ?

[dgd]

Ozz,

It looks like two Classic 150s would be the way to go if you have those batteries configured as  a 12volt bank to drive that 12v inverter.
The three 315 watt pvs make 945w total which is nearing the maximum current output for a Classic 150 charging a 12v bank.
The three 190w PVs into a second Classic 150 would allow for a possible two more 190w PVs if you could ever find any way to include them.

Connecting PVs in parallel is the way to go and cable length to controller is probably not an issue within the confines of an RV.

dgd

[TomW]

Note: this thread is misfiled. Hey Tom, can you move it to System Layout ?

Done.

[Westbranch]

Just thinking... would it not be cheaper to get a 24 v inverter and not have to buy another Classic...??

[Ozz]

Ozz,

It looks like two Classic 150s would be the way to go if you have those batteries configured as  a 12volt bank to drive that 12v inverter.
The three 315 watt pvs make 945w total which is nearing the maximum current output for a Classic 150 charging a 12v bank.
The three 190w PVs into a second Classic 150 would allow for a possible two more 190w PVs if you could ever find any way to include them.

Connecting PVs in parallel is the way to go and cable length to controller is probably not an issue within the confines of an RV.

dgd

Thanks! I appreciate it. Looks like I will have my set-up. I don't want to spend any more than I need to, but wanting to get as much on the roof that will fit, this is my design. I am working now and can afford to buy the Solar, when I hit the road again, no work... no more $$.
Westbranch, I have a real nice Magnum MS 2012 Pure Sine, it was a pricy item at around $1300. Bought it a few years back.
Thanks for the input folks, I am learning a little as I ask questions and get great input form those who know such things.