Total output from 3 panels.

acenip

acenip

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I've been running my new solar setup to it's full potential, trying to push it to the max and watching the SOC getting back to 100%.

I fitted a 200w panel to accompany my other 2no 100w panels. This seemed to work well but while doing the above test were I've pushed hard I have never noticed the watts from the solar go beyond 230/240 watts. My mttp controller is a Victron 100/30. Could this be a bit on the small side for panel combo?
 
Are these wired in series or parallel?

If they're in series then your 200w panel is effectively operating as if it was just a 100w panel

Without knowing the specs of your panels I'd suggest that a 100/30 should* be fine.

The 200W panel is likely to have an OCV (open circuit voltage) of around 20-25v and put out 10amps (ish) and the 100W will be similar voltage and maybe 7amps

So whether you add the volts up (series) or amps up (parallel) I would guess the MPPT is up to it.

Series = 25v x 3 = 75volts (the MPPT is rated to 100)
Parallel = 10A + 7 + 7 = 24A (the MPPT is rated to 30)

*Do check the ACTUAL ratings of your panels though as I'm just guessing at typical figures which might not be accurate.
 
acenip said:
I've been running my new solar setup to it's full potential, trying to push it to the max and watching the SOC getting back to 100%.
Click to expand...
How do you 'push it to the max' ? Best you can do is sit and watch it, you cannot control the sun. Or am I missing something?
 
fishplug said:
Are these wired in series or parallel?

If they're in series then your 200w panel is effectively operating as if it was just a 100w panel

Without knowing the specs of your panels I'd suggest that a 100/30 should* be fine.

The 200W panel is likely to have an OCV (open circuit voltage) of around 20-25v and put out 10amps (ish) and the 100W will be similar voltage and maybe 7amps

So whether you add the volts up (series) or amps up (parallel) I would guess the MPPT is up to it.

Series = 25v x 3 = 75volts (the MPPT is rated to 100)
Parallel = 10A + 7 + 7 = 24A (the MPPT is rated to 30)

*Do check the ACTUAL ratings of your panels though as I'm just guessing at typical figures which might not be accurate.
Click to expand...
The panels are wired in parallel.
 
Draw us a circuit diagram.

Maybe the solution will then jump out!

You can’t just parallel panel of totally different specs.

Tony

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RogerIvy said:
Are there not plans to control/dim the sun?
So half-brained Ed Milliband scheme
Click to expand...
Yes there are several 'plans' out there, even the Spanish dickhead has mentioned something along these lines. But we need to retain the faith in the ultimate wisdom of the wise, if there are any left that is.
 
RogerIvy said:
Are there not plans to control/dim the sun?
So half-brained Ed Milliband scheme
Click to expand...
Why do so many of have to turn in pointlessly useless 1970s comedians instead of just letting somebody that is actually trying to help just answer, even just by helping me ask the question correctly.

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Control the sun which provides energy then charge us for it!
 
acenip said:
Why do so many of have to turn in pointlessly useless 1970s comedians instead of just letting somebody that is actually trying to help just answer, even just by helping me ask the question correctly.
Click to expand...
So let me re-ask my question (2nd post):
In what configuration are the panels wired and do you have the panel specs (voltage, amps)?
 
Lenny HB said:
OK for 440 watts.
Click to expand...
My cable run down from the controller may be a little lighter gauge than necessary, this was due to pushing connectors through a specific space without butchering. I may try replacing this cable by temporarily running a loose cable through the motorhome.
 
We need to be more clear here.
If you parallel different panels you may have circulating currents which do you no good.

Draw a diagram and give us the specs.

Tony

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Ok serious! you have been asked to provide a diagram of your solar setup. Provide length of cable runs panel specs etc. this will enable people to give you more specific answers to your questions, two people have already asked for diagram.
 
Outdoors Dad said:
Control the sun which provides energy then charge us for it!
Click to expand...
You may think that is a funny joke, but please believe me, that actually happened in Spain. A few years ago there was a 'solar panel boom' and many people installed domestic solar panels on their homes to save paying high electricity bills. Most of them took out large personal loans that they would pay off over a few years and eventually pay very little on the bills. They would even get negative bills because their system would put any energy not used into the network. Well that didn't last too long because the government realised what was happening, so they introduced a 'sun tax' The result was, for many, a huge unpaid credit debt and once again high electricity bills. I know people who fell into this trap unfortunately, and a lot of them never came out and had to sell their house.
 
Barriesimpson said:
You may think that is a funny joke, but please believe me, that actually happened in Spain. A few years ago there was a 'solar panel boom' and many people installed domestic solar panels on their homes to save paying high electricity bills. Most of them took out large personal loans that they would pay off over a few years and eventually pay very little on the bills. They would even get negative bills because their system would put any energy not used into the network. Well that didn't last too long because the government realised what was happening, so they introduced a 'sun tax' The result was, for many, a huge unpaid credit debt and once again high electricity bills. I know people who fell into this trap unfortunately, and a lot of them never came out and had to sell their house.
Click to expand...
I fully believe it......if every home had solar panels and batteries how do the fat cats get fatter. I'm sure some of the carry on in the east is to control minerals etc in the ground.

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Barriesimpson said:
You may think that is a funny joke, but please believe me, that actually happened in Spain. A few years ago there was a 'solar panel boom' and many people installed domestic solar panels on their homes to save paying high electricity bills. Most of them took out large personal loans that they would pay off over a few years and eventually pay very little on the bills. They would even get negative bills because their system would put any energy not used into the network. Well that didn't last too long because the government realised what was happening, so they introduced a 'sun tax' The result was, for many, a huge unpaid credit debt and once again high electricity bills. I know people who fell into this trap unfortunately, and a lot of them never came out and had to sell their house.
Click to expand...
But, I don't live in Spain?
 
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