Adding solar panel to 2014 Ranger 31S

barling

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Joined
Aug 9, 2019
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Fluid Motion Model
C-302 C
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Bristol 29.9
Vessel Name
Barling
My 2014 Ranger 31S has a factory installed Kyocera KLD140SX-UFBS panel with a SunSaverDuo controller rated at 25 amps. The Kyocera is said to have a Max Power Current of 7.91, is 58 3/4 x 26 in size, and is a Polycrystalline type. I'm looking at installing a Grape Solar 1-Module 59-in x 27-in,180 Watt Panel sold through Lowes. It is a Monocrystalline type. I don't know the max amps for the Grape panel. My question is whether the two panels together are within the 25 amps of the controller and whether the poly and the mono panels are a good choice when linked together in parallel. Is there is better panel I might purchase?
 
I ran a search on that panel, and I found that Walmart sells the same panel at a higher price, but it shows more complete specs. It shows the maximum power point current as 9.15 Amps, and short circuit current as 9.77 Amps. That means that running the two panels in parallel should be well under the rated 25 Amp limit. The main difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline is mechanical size, so there is no compatibility issue. There are many panels sold on Amazon for comparisons. I don't know which is the "best" based on cost, size, specs, or reputation.

I run two panels in series to an MPPT controller to keep the battery charging even on dark rainy days. Running the two panels in parallel has the advantage that a shadow could sabotage one panel and the other panel would still work. With my series setup, a shadow on one panel reduces output from both panels.

Marshall
 
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