Re: [electricboats] Complex design issues

Check you math. All panels in series as in 6S for 16V/7A panels is 96/7, not 96/14.

On 2024-12-08 9:55 am, Dale Shomette via groups.io wrote:

So Jeff, you have two sets of three panels, each three panels in series and each three panels with their own controllers. You believe they are 16volt/7amp panels, correct? So in series, the maximum voltage from your three panels would be 48 volts and seven amps.

Together, the six panels (as individual sets of three) would theoretically pull out 96 volts and 14 amps. Are your Victron controllers charging your batteries individually? Why do you need two Victron 150/35's when one would handle both sets of three panels? Why not put each two of the six panels in series with each other, then put the six in parallel. Wouldn't that give you a maximum of 48 volts and an increase to up to 21amps to your battery bank? Of course, I have no idea how big your battery bank is and 48 volts might not do it for you. I will need a minimum of 54 volts for each of my four battery banks but will be charging them individually. I think your Victron 150/35 would be perfect to do that but was thinking that at full charge of a bank, I would just switch over from that bank to the other and only need the one controller. Is that reasoning sound from your perspective? By the way, what is your average collective sunlight day where you are? 

Thanks Again,

Dale

On Thu, Dec 5, 2024 at 10:32 PM jeffsschwartz via groups.io <jeffsschwartz=hotmail.com@groups.io> wrote:

Hi Dale,

It's been a few years since I picked them up but I believe they're 16V/7A.  I have 6 of them so I wire 3 in series and then the output from the 3 into the MPPT controller, then repeat for the second controller.  When I look at the output from the panels on the Victron app on my cell, I'm seeing around 54V go into the batteries per controller.  I've never seen the total current from both controllers go about 3A even on the sunniest of days.

 

On a mid summer, no cloud day, I'll get a total charge of around 2 KW between the two controllers.  That may partially be due to panel placement, my boat's on a 3 point mooring facing south so the angles are not optimal.

 

Regards,

Jeff.