I recently got my hands on 10 used JA Solar 305W panels from around 2016 at a great price. I'll be placing them by my garage, where I have rigid conduit already set up to run wire to the house. I'm trying to figure out the best wiring options for these panels given their specs: 305W, Voc at 45.35V, and Isc at 8.79A. Since I'm in Chicago, I expect the voltage could reach around 55V each in cold weather. I'll be using THHN wire in the conduit, which can handle up to 600V. My main questions are: Should I connect all the panels in one string using a high voltage charge controller that can manage up to 550V? Or is it better to wire them for 110V and about 43A using heavy gauge wire? Another option could be setting them up as 5 sets with 55V and 17.6A, then combining those at the house for approximately 275V at 17.6A. Am I on the right track or is there a better way to approach this? I was originally considering Victron standalone units paired with a Phoenix inverter, but I might need an all-in-one solution that can handle 500V with 275V at 17.6A. Would love your input!
1 Answer
It sounds like you’re diving into an exciting project! Before you get too deep, consider looking into your overall energy needs—understanding how much energy you want to offset is crucial. This will help you determine the right number of panels. Also, keep in mind the local building codes as they might impact your setup. Honestly, it’s a tricky balance that many people find overwhelming, which is why hiring a professional might be a good idea!
Thanks! I’ve thought about that, but since this setup is more of an experiment for emergency power rather than a grid tie, I’m okay with a simpler approach for now. Just trying to wrap my head around the wiring options!