Solar panels/blankets. Potential difference

Submitted: Saturday, May 07, 2022 at 18:43

ThreadID: 143678 Views:7577 Replies:4 FollowUps:2

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Member - lyndon NT

Hi Folks

Does anyone know if sticking different panels with different voltages in parallel is an issue.

Forget the controller, that will be fine.

Thanks

Lyndon

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Place faith not in tomorrow
For the clock may then be still

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Reply By: Member - LeighW - Saturday, May 07, 2022 at 19:59

Saturday, May 07, 2022 at 19:59

It is best if they are the same voltage for maximum efficiency.

If its a PWM controller and the batteries a low then basically it is a switch that is turned on so solar panel voltage will be similar to the battery voltage so any panel voltage difference doesn't really matter

If it is a MPPT charger then there will be some inefficiencies as the charger will seek the MPV and if it is aove the voltage of the lower voltage panel then that panel is going to supply any real power. A good MPPT should look for mutiple MPV points, the its not so bad, a cheaper unit may not.

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Follow Up By: Member - lyndon NT - Monday, May 09, 2022 at 18:53

Monday, May 09, 2022 at 18:53

Hi Leigh

I let you know how it goes by posting the reading once set up.

Cheers

Lyndon

Now is the only time you own
Decide now what you will,
Place faith not in tomorrow
For the clock may then be still

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Reply By: qldcamper - Sunday, May 08, 2022 at 08:47

Sunday, May 08, 2022 at 08:47

A lot of the answers you will get are theoretical so in essence just guesses.
If you already have the panels I would suggest setting them up in a test environment then with a clamp meter look at where and how much current is flowing.

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