Hey everyone! I'm new to the world of solar power and I'm trying to figure out the best setup for my travel trailer. I'm looking to buy the Victron 100/50 MPPT solar controller and I plan to connect three 200 watt HQST panels. Since many campsites I visit in the Southeast tend to be partially shaded, I think wiring the panels in parallel makes sense. But I'm wondering, is the MPPT charge controller meant to work only with panels wired in series? Are there alternative wiring methods or panel options that might perform better in partially shaded conditions?
3 Answers
You can actually use MPPT charge controllers with panels wired in either setup! Just make sure the open circuit voltage (Voc) is at least 5 volts above your battery's voltage for the system to start up, and ensure that the voltage under load (Vmp) is just above the battery charge voltage. The HQST 200w panels generally have around 20Vmp and 24Voc, so you should be all set! Keep in mind, though, series is often more efficient because it reduces line loss.
Honestly, I’d recommend trying series wiring first. The MPPT will handle low light conditions more effectively, which can give you an edge in those shaded spots! However, feel free to experiment and see what works best for you!
Thanks for the tip! I think I will try parallel first and see how things go.
The voltage output you choose is important! You should know the max voltage DC of your panels too. If your panels exceed 30 volts DC, definitely go with parallel wiring. Just keep in mind, the Victron 100 has a maximum input voltage rating of 100 volts, so it’s good you’re aware of that!
Got it! The open circuit voltage (Voc) is 24.3 per panel, so I’ll stick below that 100 volts limit.
Thanks for clarifying! That's super helpful.