Hey everyone! I'm in the process of setting up solar for my 24ft enclosed trailer and I'm caught between two options: should I go with 12 smaller 200W panels or just get 4 larger 440W panels? I know the smaller setup would give me more total power but it also means a lot more wiring. I'll be using 24V panels either way. I'm really looking for some real-world advice on the pros and cons of each choice. If you've tackled this challenge before, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
In terms of cost and convenience, bigger panels usually win! They provide more watts for your money, require fewer connections (which means less chance of failures), and cut down on the need for mounting hardware. Just keep in mind they'll be heavier and more awkward to handle if you need to move them later on.
It really comes down to your available space. If you’re putting them on the roof of your trailer, you'll want to choose a panel size that maximizes the roof's surface coverage instead of just focusing on wattage. But if you decide to set them up on the ground, go for the largest panels you can get based on your structure's capacity. It's all about optimizing your area!
I'd lean towards the larger panels as well! They make it easier to plan for future expansions without needing to compromise on the surface area. Just be mindful of the weight when routing your setup.
That’s a solid point! Planning for future expansions is key, especially when you might want more power down the line.
Absolutely! Fewer connections definitely reduce the hassle. But just make sure you can physically manage those larger panels; they can be a pain to maneuver.