I am installing a pv array on a 21 ft Wharram catamaran. Its function is to charge batteries to power an electric outboard motor.
System consists of:
4 pv panels of 90 watts @ 12vdc (total 360 watts)
4 golf cart batteries (6volts) wired in series for 24vdc
Midnight solar "Kid" mppt charge controller
2000 watt electric outboard motor @ 24vdc
The panels are mounted so that at times I will fold one on top of another so that only 2 panels are charging. This will only be occasionally, most of the time all 4 panels will be in full sun.
My question is which would be better, to wire the panels in series for nominal 48vdc or series/parallel with 2 strings @ 24vdc? If the array is in series and 2 panels are covered, does that stop the charging or does it carry on at 24vdc?
