Wiring different wattage panels in series

[gdavids]

Does anyone know if there are issues with wiring up two different wattage solar panels in series? I have two 100 watt and two 50 watt panels that I want to install on my hard top bimini. They are all essentially the same voltage. I would like to wire the 100 watt in series with the 50 watt. This pair would be hooked up in parallel with the other pair at the regulator. I realize that if one of the panels is shaded, that will kill the output from both.

Is there any problem with this approach, or do you only want to do this with similar wattage panels. If there is no problem, does it matter what order they are hooked up I. E. Which panel is hooked to the positive of the regulator and which is hooked to the negative?

[smac999]

Don't. Also don't run different panels to the same controller.

Best option run 4 controllers
2nd best. Parellel the 2 100s to one controller. And parellel the 2 50's to 2nd controller
3rd series the 2 100s and 2 50s each to own controller.