I'm trying to find some solar panels that produce over 30 volts, but my searches have turned up very little. Most options I find are either way too expensive or out of stock. I currently have two 12-volt, 200-watt panels, but when I connect them in series, I'm only getting about 26 volts. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
You’ll want to look for "24-volt" panels if you want consistent performance above 30 volts. Alternatively, you can keep wiring your two 12-volt panels in series to reach the voltage you need. Just be sure to check their ratings!
You might want to get a third matching panel to boost your setup. Just keep in mind that most "12-volt" panels actually operate closer to 18 volts under peak conditions. What are the specific details on your panels? It's usually expected to get over 30 volts when you string two of these in series.
Yeah, it really depends on the specs of your panels. Most I’ve seen definitely exceed 18 volts when they're under load.
Most residential solar panels are typically over 30 volts. I just did a quick search on Facebook Marketplace and spotted 305-watt panels at 44 volts for around $50 each. That might seem a bit pricey, but that was just on my first page of results. You could also run your existing panels in series and add more as necessary. For example, I'm using some nominal 45-volt panels on my RV, and I’ve got two of them in series for about 90 volts, hooked up to a 150-volt MPPT.
Definitely check the panel ratings. I wouldn't be surprised if they outperform those numbers!