TheBackShed.com

Home	JAQForum Ver 24.01
Log In or Join
Active Topics
Local Time 20:05 16 May 2025	Privacy Policy
Jump to

Notice. New forum software under development. It's going to miss a few functions and look a bit ugly for a while, but I'm working on it full time now as the old forum was too unstable. Couple days, all good. If you notice any issues, please contact me.

Forum Index : Solar : Two solar panels, one charger

Author

Message

davef
Guru

Joined: 14/05/2006
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 499

Posted: 09:57am 25 Feb 2013

Copy link to clipboard

Print this post

On our house it will be most convenient to mount one solar panel facing North-east and the another one facing North-west.

I could use a relay to switch between the panels around lunchtime but would like to know if there is a scheme whereby I can combine the power available from both panels.

I would prefer not to use two chargers (MPPT or otherwise).

Thanks,
Dave

davef
Guru

Joined: 14/05/2006
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 499

Posted: 08:18pm 25 Feb 2013

Copy link to clipboard

Print this post

A work colleague has informed me (and Wikipedia seems to support) that PV panels are basically constant-current sources. Just slap them in parallel ensuring that there are blocking diodes in each panel. Which, I believe is or was standard practice.

Unless, anyone suggests that their real-world experience is different I'll order the PV panels.

Tinker

Guru

Joined: 07/11/2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 1904

Posted: 02:36am 26 Feb 2013

Copy link to clipboard

Print this post

I have three trackers on my shed roof, their outputs are connected in parallel together and feed the battery bank through a single MPPT. No problem at all.

AS said above, do make sure blocking diodes are in place. Some of my panels are a cheaper version and I noticed there was a small current feeding back from the high efficiency panels (sunpower) to the others after sunset but not yet dark.

Klaus

davef
Guru

Joined: 14/05/2006
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 499

Posted: 08:30pm 27 Feb 2013

Copy link to clipboard

Print this post

Thank you. Proceeding with the build.

Print this page

To reply to this topic, you need to log in.