Mixing solar panels of (slightly) different voltages?

2236 Views 4 Replies 2 Participants Last post by pieterv, Jun 1, 2009

pieterv

Discussion Starter · Jun 1, 2009

Anyone know if it is OK to mix panels of slightly different voltages:
one is 40W with Voc=20.5V and Vmp=16.9V
other also 40W with Voc=22V and Vmp=17.5V.

Can I wire those in parallel? How would they affect one another?

Grateful for any advice,

Pieter

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sallytrafic

· #2 · Jun 1, 2009

In my experience that would be fine the range of Voc output from panels of identical nominal specification is often wider than that.

pieterv

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jun 1, 2009

Thanks for the info, Frank.

sallytrafic

· #4 · Jun 1, 2009

The only problem might come with a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) regulator but I guess it would find a happy medium

pieterv

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 1, 2009

sallytrafic said:
The only problem might come with a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) regulator but I guess it would find a happy medium

No, it has a PWM regulator.

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