parallel different types of panles is o.k.?

73 Posts
Jul 28, 2010 06:53 pm
parallel different types of panles is o.k.?

when hooking up multiple types of panels. IE: different Voc / Nominal. It's o.k. to mix them when they are all in Parallel?

OR Just get all the panels to be very close with regards to Voc?



 
578 Posts
Jul 28, 2010 07:25 pm
Re: parallel different types of panles is o.k.?

which do you mean, different voc or different nominal voltages?  what equipment do you have and what are you trying to do?

in battery based systems, modules may be put in parallel where each string is protected by a series overcurrent device.  the do not have to be the same exact module, but they should be the same nominal voltage, and the charge controller and all other aspects of the system design must be able to handle the additional current added to it.

james
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73 Posts
Jul 28, 2010 07:52 pm
Re: parallel different types of panles is o.k.?

I have a midnight solar combiner, and(4) Kyocera KC40T modules in parallel going thru the combiner with individual breakers for each panel, this all goes to the controller

just trying to continue upgrading my system incrementally and see that adding in a Kyocera KD135SX-UPU would be a good cost/watt value. the Voc & nominals are pretty close

 
578 Posts
Jul 29, 2010 01:30 pm
Re: parallel different types of panles is o.k.?

kyocera 40w and 135w modules are the same nominal voltage (12).  they can be wired in parallel if the charge controller can handle the ampacity, and the balance of system equipment (combiner, controller, pv disconnect, pv output circuit wiring) can handle the addition.

this article may help regarding the confusion of voltage terminology as it relates to voc and nominal voltage.

http://www.altestore.com/howto/Solar-Power-Residential-Mobile-PV/Solar-Components/Solar-Panels-PV/Solar-Panels-PV-and-Voltages/a98/

cheers,

james
altE staff

AltE
"Making Renewable Do-able"
http://www.altEstore.com/

Tel: 877.878.4060 x107  or +1.978.562.5858 x107
Fax: 877.242.6718  or +1.978.562.5854
 
6 Posts
Oct 21, 2010 10:39 pm
Re: parallel different types of panles is o.k.?

If the panels are close to the same voltage then this is ok.  Your charge controller should handle the rest.  If the panels are not the same voltage, then I would not recommend it.  In other words don't put a 12 volt panel in parallel with a 18 or 24 volt panel, that is too much of a volt difference.  One thing to keep in mind though, if you are using MPPT, it will lose some efficiency as the panels will behave slightly differently and the MPPT will basically have to find a happy medium between the two to operate at.

Aaron
 

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