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Old 14-11-2012, 16:27   #1
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Adding Extra Solar Panels

Hi

I currently have 4 x 85 watt panels on my bimini and finding thats not enough to keep everything topped up so am looking to add 2 more panels. Someone told me that if i add extra panels in series then i need to keep to the same watts.... is this correct? He was an electrician but he was a bit short on details so not sure how accurate this is.

ie i would prefer to go a bit higher on the watts but wanted to make sure it wasnt an issue first

thanks
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Old 14-11-2012, 16:52   #2
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Re: Adding Extra Solar Panels

For clarity i was told i should only add more 85 watt units not say 120 or 50 watt panels...

understand that the volts need to be the same
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Old 14-11-2012, 22:57   #3
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Re: Adding Extra Solar Panels

If they are wired in parrallel you can add different wattages without any problems.

If you have a MPPT controller you need to keep the voltages similar. Vmp should be within 0.5v. If you have a none MPPT controller this is less important, but they will all need to be nominal 12v panels with 36 cell, not high voltage panels.

Your controler and wiring may also need to changed.
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Old 15-11-2012, 07:03   #4
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Re: Adding Extra Solar Panels

You can mix Wattages but it is good to stick to panels that deliver similar Voltages.

b.
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Old 15-11-2012, 14:11   #5
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Re: Adding Extra Solar Panels

Thanks for responses gents. Makes sense. I guess my sparkey mate had volts and wattages mixed up which is a bit of a worry for a licenced electrician!
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Old 15-11-2012, 22:09   #6
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Re: Adding Extra Solar Panels

Quote:
Originally Posted by Barra View Post
. Someone told me that if i add extra panels in series then i need to keep to the same watts.... is this correct? ..
Before you go any further you had better make sure how the panels are now wire. In series or parallel?

If they are in series the amps should be the same and maybe that is what they were saying as people sometimes interchange amps and watts even though they aren't the same...

http://www.oynot.com/solar-panels.html

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