What is the best way to install solar panels? In parallel or series? Also, do I charge my batteries first before hooking the solar panels to them? And if so, how do I do that?
Hey Ballen42, this is Kaden at CR. The answer to your question depends on how your system works together. Are you running a 12V or a 24V battery bank? What charge controller do you have?
I will have a 12v bank. And will be running a Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/85. Iām looking at having a 3000w Pure Sine Inverter.
Awesome. Your MPPT 150/85 is capable of 1200W of incoming solar. You will also need to know the VMP, VOC, IMP, ISC of your solar panels. If you series them, you will need to stay within the maximum open circuit voltage of 145-150V (per their data sheet.) If you parallel your solar array, you will need to be most aware of your short circuit current, which is 70A.
2 Likes
Thanks for your reply.