Midnite Kid and New to Forum

[Zakarume]

Ok so lets all start over. I think going 12v was a mistake. I am now wanting to go 24v

Here is my idea so far

1.  4 x 100w Renogy panels. Will go series x2 for 2+ and 2- to Combiner box  OR
Connect 2 panels together in series plus other in series and then adding MC4 Branch Connectors and run 1+ and 1- to Combiner box. Want to stay with combiner box for upgrades in future

2. Get the Midnite Kid Charge Controller

3. Need to get a 24v inverter. Need a good recommenation and cheap

4. Wire would be http://www.amazon.com/TEMCo-Extension-Connector-LIFETIME-Warranty/dp/B00LOM7K2Y/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1414801691&sr=8-6&keywords=solar+power+cable+100ft+10+awg

Like i said. New to solar and this is a DIY Project with limited funds.

[vtmaps]

Ok so lets all start over. I think going 12v was a mistake. I am now wanting to go 24v

Here is my idea so far <snip>

Each string (of two panels in series) will have its own 10 gauge cable running 35 ft to the combiner.  That will give you a 1.15% voltage drop.  Very reasonable.  If you combine more than two strings, you will need something heavier than 10 gauge cable.

Need to get a 24v inverter. Need a good recommenation and cheap

That's not the way it works... you actually get more value when you spend a bit more. 

To advise you any further, about inverters, combiners, cable, or anything else really, It would be helpful to know what sort of installation this will be... is this for a boat? a house?  Are you required to conform to a building code? Do you want to conform to code?  What sort of loads will you put on the system?  It's hard to recommend an inverter without knowing what it will be powering.

--vtMaps

[vtmaps]

Ok so lets all start over. I think going 12v was a mistake. I am now wanting to go 24v

One more thing I forgot to mention... with a 24 volt system, I would consider that three of your panels would be the optimum string length.... two more panels would give you a total of 6 panels... two strings, each string being three panels in series.

Mr reasoning is that two panels in series has the bare minimum of headroom on a 24 volt system.  Especially if your panels are hot and your batteries are (relatively) cool. 

Of course, I know so little about your system... it is hard to know whether you would be better of with a string length of two or three.  Are there any shading issues?  If so, that might argue for three strings of two panels per string.  What sort of climate?  That also might influence my recommendation. 

--vtMaps

[Zakarume]

All it will be powering is a computer, monitor, small speakers, fan and light occasionally. Recharging cell phone and car alarm. And not powering those i will power a TV. Will be using around 250 watts. 100 watts for TV. I only have 4 panels, but upgrade in future. I rather keep it 2 panels in a string

[zoneblue]

People come here for advice then ignore it. 2 36 cell panels on a mppt controller running 24V doesnt give the controller enough headroom. If you want to do that get a PWM controller which will work fine like that,

[Zakarume]

I will be using my Renogy PWM Charge Controller for now. When i upgrade more panels into system i would like to go with the Midnite Kid Controller. But for now i will be using the Renogy

[ClassicCrazy]

To answer your question about good quality but less costly inverters look at Samlex sine wave inverters.  Larger more costly inverters usually are capable of charging batteries from a generator . If you don't need that look at the Samlex.