I'm looking for advice on purchasing small solar panels that meet specific voltage requirements. I've heard that to achieve a voltage (Vmp) of over 32V, I might need to get larger panels. I'm curious about what sizes are typically required and if you have any examples or recommendations for panels, especially in the 200W to 250W range. Thanks for any insights you can share!
2 Answers
When it comes to sizes, if you're looking for a single panel, you might want to consider a 96-cell panel, which typically measures around 60x40 inches. It really depends on your size constraints. Also, keep your MPPT's voltage range in mind; if you choose 250W 24V panels, you could connect 1 or 2 in series without exceeding limits. Connecting 3 in parallel is fine though, just remember your MPPT caps it at 15 amps.
If you're targeting a Vmp over 32V, you're likely looking at larger panels, especially ones in the 550W range that can hit 40-50V. Typically, 400W panels hover around a Vmp of 30-32V, which might not be enough for your needs. Just a heads-up, 200W panels probably won’t meet that voltage either, but they could be pricier if they do exist.
Actually, I’ve found a few 200W panels that fit the bill! For example, Rich Solar offers a 200W 24V panel with a VOC of 43.5V, which works for low voltage setups.
Yep, and even the 200W 24V panels can work well for you. You can set them up in various configurations like 2 in series or even series-parallel to maximize your MPPT.