Solar panel question

[Joycede07]

Need some help. I’m a big time newb with electrical stuff, so bear with me.

I have a 24v system with 2-100ah batteries and 4- 150w panels, wired in series.

I’m trying to add two more 150w panels because December in Wisconsin is not ideal for solar.

I’m wondering how to wire the array for 6 panels, given that My panels have to be about 100 feet away from my inverter and don’t have direct light all day.

Any very dumbed down advice would be most appreciated!

[Bob Rowlands]

google or wiki: series and parallel wiring

[Jafo]

I assume you mean charge controller and not inverter.. I also assume what you have now is:

two panels wired in series -> Array 1
two panels wired in series -> Array 2
(4 panels)

Then you have Array 1 and Array 2 wired in parallel.

If that is so, then the easiest thing to do probably would be to create a 3rd array and wire the two new panels in series and then parallel to the existing setup if AND ONLY IF, they are as I described above.

[Joycede07]

Thanks for the help, Jafo!

The other 4 panels were not wired as you described, but all six are now and things are already looking up.

Thanks again!

[Jafo]

Originally Posted by Joycede07

Thanks for the help, Jafo!

The other 4 panels were not wired as you described, but all six are now and things are already looking up.

Thanks again!

No problem. I am glad it is better. I find when you wire it that way, it works better for when one or two panels are shaded, it doesn't drop the performance of the entire array.

When you wire all the panels in series together, then if one panel gets shade, it affects everything (unless you are using micro-inverters on each panel).

Good luck!

[Joycede07]

I think that was definitely the case. I was getting very poor performance with 4 panels in series.

The wife will certainly be excited about less ‘candle protocol’.