Optimize
solar panel array
Home
250W Renogy mono-crystalline panel
Buy:
4 panels 250 watt at Amazon
$1275
6 panels 250 watt at Amazon
10 panels 250 watt at Amazon
20 panels 250 watt at Amazon
Solar panel connectors
Buy solar panels at Amazon
Solar
power books
Learn the basics with tips and help for professional and beginner alike
Buy
from my affiliate links:
Solar
power books
Different string configurations result in
different resistance.
To maximize solar harvest: Low solar and
high solar
conditions require different resistances
Rule:
During
high solar
conditions, low resistances harvests more electric output
During low solar,
higher resistance harvests more electric output
Array
configurations:
Example
1
1 string of 12 panels/ best for lowest solar
Renogy 250 watt
30.1 Vmp, 8.32 Imp.
PV Array Wmp = 12 * 250 = 3000 watts.
1) 12 panels in series. 1 string:
30.1 Vmp * 12 = 361.2 Vmp
8.32 Imp * 1 = 8.32 Imp
Zmp = 361.2 Vmp / 8.32 Imp = 43.4 Ohms
Example
2
2 strings of 6 panels/ good for low solar
Renogy 250 watt 30.1 Vmp,
8.32 Imp.
PV Array Wmp = 12 * 250 = 3000 watts.
2) 6 panels in series. 2 strings:
30.1 Vmp * 6 = 180.6 Vmp
8.32 Imp * 2 = 16.64 Imp
Zmp = 180.6 Vmp / 16.64 Imp = 10.8 Ohms
Example
3
3 strings of 4 panels/ good for medium
solar
Renogy 250 watt 30.1 Vmp,
8.32 Imp.
PV Array Wmp = 12 * 250 = 3000 watts.
3) 4 panels in series. 3 strings:
30.1 Vmp * 4 = 120.4 Vmp
8.32 Imp * 3 = 24.96 Imp
Zmp = 120.4 Vmp / 24.96 Imp = 4.82 Ohms
Example
4
4 strings of 3 panels/ good for medium
solar
Renogy 250 watt 30.1 Vmp,
8.32 Imp.
PV Array Wmp = 12 * 250 = 3000 watts.
4) 3 panels in series. 4 strings:
30.1 Vmp * 3 = 90.3 Vmp
8.32 Imp * 4 = 33.28 Imp
Zmp = 90.3 Vmp / 33.28 Imp = 2.71 Ohms
Example
5
6 strings of 2 panels/ good for high solar
Renogy 250 watt 30.1 Vmp,
8.32 Imp.
PV Array Wmp = 12 * 250 = 3000 watts.
5) 2 panels in series. 6 strings:
30.1 Vmp * 2 = 60.2 Vmp
8.32 Imp * 6 = 49.92 Imp
Zmp = 60.2 Vmp / 49.92 Imp = 1.21 Ohms
Example
6
12 strings of 1 panel is best for highest
solar
Renogy 250 watt 30.1 Vmp,
8.32 Imp.
PV Array Wmp = 12 * 250 = 3000 watts.
6) 1 panel in series. 12 strings:
30.1 Vmp * 1 = 30.1 Vmp
8.32 Imp * 12 = 99.84 Imp
Zmp = 30.1 Vmp / 99.84 Imp = 0.301 Ohms
Commercial solar collection arrays change configuration of strings
throughout day, and throughout year, to maximize solar harvest...
For example early morning or late afternoon, or cloudy day, then 6
strings with 2 panels each might be better.
While midday, with clear sky and cold temperatures, 1 string with 12
panels might be better.
Colder temperatures are better because cold lowers resistance.
Resources
Solar
pages index with all solar links
How to wire DC
water heater using high voltage
How to wire DC
water heater using low voltage
Which is best for you?
Your MPPT controller will convert the solar output into AC power.
So
whatever wattage is produced by the PV panels will be converted into
equal wattage of AC power, minus heat loss from the controller.
This means you can set up your array however you want ... using best judgement of your solar conditions.
Keep
in mind that big commercial arrays will change the number of panels in
each string. They will do this throughout the day as solar conditions
vary with objective of maximizing solar harvest.
For home
applications, changing the strings throughout the day is not very
feasible ... and the switchgear for accomplishing this task make it
overly expensive.
So what can you do?
Set up your array using a middle-of-the-road plan?
Try different connections and see if solar output increases.
Another idea might be setting up for low solar in the winter and then re-wiring for high solar in summer.
Either way, you would need a way to measure the solar output separate from your grid usage..
Perhaps
comparing grid usage using middle of road design, and then grid usage
for high or low solar to see if you can actually make best judgement.
Another consideration can be voltage from solar panels.
The lower the voltage, the less heat on wires, and maybe less heat loss?
Again, there is not a great way to measure this other than comparing grid usage.
You could turn off grid connection and possibly check output.
The thing about electric power is it is only registered via electric meter when loads are running.
At all other times, the power is being generated but lost to the moment if all your loads are turned off.
Gene
Enter
Amazon from
my links
Amazon
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Enter Amazon from any link on my site, fill cart with any
item ... purchases pay small commission
E-mail:
geno03245w@gmail.com
My response might end
up in spam folder, check email folders
Privacy policy
Search