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I have a 100/20 smart controller. I want to install 2 100w panels on the roof. I have 400ah of lithium...I know it's not enough but it's a start. My panel specs are
open circuit voltage 24.3v
Optimum voltage 20.3v
optimum current 4.93a
short circuit current 5.34a
max voltage 600vdc
The cabling is 10awg to a isolating 16a breaker then to the controller.
Which is the better way to connect?...in series or parallel? I'll likely add panels later.
Thanks
Run them in series, if you can. It doubles the voltage which means thinner wires needed and your solar performs better in lower lighting conditions (MPPT needing something like 5 volts over your battery to invert, series gives you double the surface area/voltage to achieve this).
Don’t run them in series if you’d go over the voltage max of the MPPT, which your current setup won’t.
Parallel set up is best if you know that your panels would experience different shading. Like one panel in full sun and the other 50% shaded.
-and if you run it in series then your pre MPPT breaker may be over sized. A 7.5 amp breaker would do well.
