OK...I am just about ready to order my custom, semi-flexible panels.
I have 3 panels totaling 410 watts. (170w/140w/100w)
Now I have to decide on a voltage. I can choose 18v/24v/36v
Bearing in mind I will be using an MPPT controller what is the best way to go voltage wise and wiring wise. Series or parallel? 2 on one and 1 on the other? (i.e. 2 18v panels in series for 36v and the other panel at 36v?) or all three at 18v? 24v? 36v? Some mix of the above?
I am looking for low light and overall efficiency. Obviously shading is an issue, but they are set up with diodes.
What controller???? So far I am liking the Bluesky 3024iL with the IPNPro remote. Which will give me 40 amps at MAX 500watts of panels.
I am using #6 wire at the panels to an AM SOLAR CB style combiner box at the fridge vent. #4 from the combiner to the Charge controller and then #2 to the battery bank. Which run should be shortest to be most efficient??? What types and quantities of connectors do I need from the panels all the way to the battery bank?
Lastly, I currently (pun intended!) have 2 Trojan 27MTX batteries totaling ~220 amp/hrs giving me ~110 amp/hrs to play with. I will be replacing these next season with Trojan SCS225s which will fix in the existing slide out tray and give me a bit more power to use (~130 amp/hrs). I am toying with the idea of adding 1 or 2 additional batteries. Either up front or under the couch in a dual vented box. (5-6 ft to the existing bank)
One odd question, I have an inverter under the couch that is fed by the existing dual battery bank through 2/0 battery cables. I know if I shut off the inverter I could use these wires to charge the battery from the solar controller. What would happen if both were on at the same time, i.e. charging current TO the battery in one direction and power feed FROM the battery TO the inverter in the other, at the same time?
I use around 80 Amp/Hrs per day (night) as an average. Not being super conservationalist.
Any suggestions, comments???
Thanks!
Rick