Solar panels and battery - any real world recommendations?

They won't, they are stubborn creatures, they will just rebuild. Only way to move them on is with well fitted bird netting.
 
Hey guys,

What 200W Solar panel would you recommend to pair with a 100V 20A MPPT ?
I've just backed out of buying the Renogy Solar Panel (‎Monocrystalline Silicon) and am looking for better options ?
 
Good choice of equipment manufacture.

Victron have an MPPT calculator https://www.victronenergy.com/mppt-calculator Its what I used when I designed my system.

Have a read of this page as well https://www.victronenergy.com/blog/...ar-modules-to-the-new-mppt-charge-regulators/

It may be worth installing a 400w panel or bigger, yes it will exceed what the MPPT can supply, so it will be clipping, but if you are looking for maximum winter generation then that will be the way to go. Golden rule is not to exceed the 100v which you will not do with a single panel.

There are two limits, when determining the maximum array size that can be connected to an MPPT:
  1. The Maximum PV open circuit voltage (Voc at STC)
  2. The Maximum PV short circuit current (Isc at STC)
When over paneling that much you do need to consider how long it will be running at maximum power and how hot its going to getting in summer months.

Plenty of good panels around the 400 to 500w range, no idea what there is around the 200w range though.
 
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As per above, Longi or JA Solar, all good, whatever suits your budget, looks and physical size requirements.

Presume three was a mistype in your reply, and should be the, as that then makes sense.

Good thing with City Plumbing is they have loads of local branches and will deliver free.

Solar PV Panels | City Plumbing

Browse all Solar PV Panels available at City Plumbing. Buy online and collect from your local branch
www.cityplumbing.co.uk www.cityplumbing.co.uk
 
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Subliminal Aura said:
@Ron-ski Think I'll take your advice, what would you recommend in three 4-500w panel range?

Thanks
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3x 400w panels are massive for a shed build. There are not really huge differences in efficiency between panels and most are 20%-23%. So substantially higher output means substantially higher area needed to be covered. A single 440w panel would be around 1.8m x 1.2m physical dimensions.

You could probably max out with 2 on a fairly standard UK shed, however i'm not sure if its worth it unless you have ability to use it beyond just lighting in a shed. If you need a specific size thats smaller than mass made panels then you're into brands catering for the RV/Mobile crew and they don't have economies of scale like the large panels so you will be paying a premium per watt
 
Pretty much all made in china, pretty much all using same sources
Pretty much all have specs within spitting distance

Price is now so low they are disposable items, buy the one with the best price performance ratio, especially if over panelling as chances are your going to have it clipping anyway
 
@Gammawolf pretty sure he only wants one panel, that controller won't take 3.

@Subliminal Aura

Should also add, you mustn't exceed the short circuit current either, see the post below for full details.

diysolarforum.com

Victron MPPT over panelling

By how much can you over panel a Victron 100/20 the data sheet just says the MPPT will deal with it !!! a) If more PV power is connected, the controller will limit input power.1b) The PV voltage must exceed Vbat + 5 V for the controller to start. Thereafter the minimum PV voltage is Vbat + 1...
diysolarforum.com diysolarforum.com
 
I have a Tesla Powerwall 3 and I'm thinking of installing solar panels. I have a south facing roof with space for 6 panels, south-west one for another 6 and a noth-east one for 4. The Powerwall has 3 imputs so I was thinking initially of getting 16 panels. But I spoke with a friend who said that only 4 panels on a string are a bad idea, because the voltage they generate would be too low. Is that the case? Do you think I'll be better off with 12 or 16 panels?
 
SkyTerran said:
I have a Tesla Powerwall 3 and I'm thinking of installing solar panels. I have a south facing roof with space for 6 panels, south-west one for another 6 and a noth-east one for 4. The Powerwall has 3 imputs so I was thinking initially of getting 16 panels. But I spoke with a friend who said that only 4 panels on a string are a bad idea, because the voltage they generate would be too low. Is that the case? Do you think I'll be better off with 12 or 16 panels?
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4 is about the limit for most inverters. You need to check the minimum voltage it needs.
If you achieve the minimum with 4 then your fine.
Most of us say as many panels as you can, and NE will be nice for early morning sun in summer solstice.

Edit, looks like the PW3 is 150v to switch on so its going to be on the edge with 4 panels, technically its fine.
Ideally find the panels with the highest V you can get so you get the required V asap. It will adjust the A down but you need enough V to "switch it on" in the first place.
 
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