Different Panel Types - in Series ?

rickst29
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Posts: 2

Different Panel Types - in Series ? Feb 16, 2015 12:19:08 GMT -8

Post by rickst29 on Feb 16, 2015 12:19:08 GMT -8

Would their be any problem with mixing of 12V (Renogy) and a 24V panel (new, "other" Flex) on a Series string?

MMPT PV Ground (it's a "true" ground) --> Renogy (12V 100W Mono) #1 --> Flex (24V) --> Renogy #2 --> MMPT PV "Hot"

My MPPT can handle the resulting "Open Circuit" Voltage, very easily.

The Renogy 12V flex is too wide to fit on the roof, and a 3rd 12V aluminum-framed Mono Panel becomes too much to lift - this is a "lift the roof" RV Trailer with a solid roof, I'm already struggling with the two panels I have.

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Different Panel Types - in Series ? Feb 26, 2015 10:46:37 GMT -8

Post by Admin on Feb 26, 2015 10:46:37 GMT -8

The answer is it depends. What needs to be considered when wiring these panels in series is the operating currents of each panel. In series, the currents of all the panels will be the same. If one panel has a lower operating current, than the other, all panels will operate at the lower current. If the operating currents are similar, then the power loss will be minimal. However if there is a large difference in operating currents, there will be a larger power loss.

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Dks233 Guest	Different Panel Types - in Series ? May 17, 2015 16:05:54 GMT -8 via mobile Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Dks233 on May 17, 2015 16:05:54 GMT -8 Can I run a 100 watt suitcase in series with the 50 watt bendable panel? What connectors would I need?

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Different Panel Types - in Series ? May 19, 2015 14:48:09 GMT -8

Post by Admin on May 19, 2015 14:48:09 GMT -8

Hello Dks233,

No you should not connect these panels in series. In series, the current through all panels must be equal. The 50W bendable produces 2.84A and the 100W suitcase produces 5.71A. As you can see these panels have different currents which will be forced to match when placed in series. This usually means that the higher current panel will drop its current to the level of the lower panel current which will result in the higher current panel producing less power. In the case of these two panels, the suitcase will only produce 49.7W instead of its rated 100W.

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Different Panel Types - in Series ?

Post by rickst29 on Feb 16, 2015 12:19:08 GMT -8

Post by Admin on Feb 26, 2015 10:46:37 GMT -8

Post by Dks233 on May 17, 2015 16:05:54 GMT -8

Post by Admin on May 19, 2015 14:48:09 GMT -8