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Post by maggiespop on Apr 27, 2014 12:42:58 GMT -8
I have a 100w panel with 30a controller charging 3 12v deep cycle batts. and a 1000w inverter all running 12v. If I added another 100w panel would I do it in series or parallel? Or would I be better just getting 1 250 w panel?
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Post by jsb2000 on Apr 27, 2014 15:54:19 GMT -8
You would do it in parallel. Current adds in parallel while voltage adds in series.
So, adding the new panel in parallel would double the current/power while keeping the voltage the same (which is what you want).
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Post by maggiespop on Apr 27, 2014 16:33:21 GMT -8
Thank you I appreciate that.
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Post by jsb2000 on Apr 28, 2014 6:30:35 GMT -8
You're welcome! Also, you asked if it would be better if you just got a 250 watt panel. Although replacing the panel would simplify the wiring and increase the output, adding a separate panel has its advantages too. As an example, the 100 watt panel I'm using gets hit by shade from a tree for a few hours a day. If I replaced it with a 250 watt one, it would still suffer decreased output at that time. With another separate 100 watt panel, I could mount it so that it would get sun while the other is in the shade. I call it the "divide and conquer" approach.  Just something else to consider. |
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Post by maggiespop on Apr 28, 2014 10:42:27 GMT -8
Being new to this and trying to figure out solar/off grid living I Thank You for your help.
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