Replacing solar panel on 2013 R31 to free up deck space

[FreeSoup]

FreeSoup,

Ideally the panels would all be the same model when connecting them in parallel. Not a requirement though if the specs are similar. In this case the specs are similar but I can’t say if they are close enough. The voltage is what is important. I recommend you reach out to the supplier where you got the flexible panel and ask what they think about adding them in parallel with the Kyocera panel.

The standard Morningstar controller should be able to handle all three as the flexible panels produce only 3 amps each and the Kyocera is around 10, The controller will handle around 25 amps from my recollection.

Curt

Thanks Curt. Found this useful/relevant, and jives with your point that these are different enough to probably not make sense... https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr9IlX ... qS9la9E4w-

 

[Red Raven]

FreeSoup,

Yes, good article. Note that it doesn’t say that different max voltage for parallel connection (your situation) is wrong or unsafe (as long as the current for the wire size and controller max ratings are not exceeded), but rather that it is more inefficient. If your goal is to be the most efficient then combining the different panels is not the best choice but if you’re goal is to use what you already have then you will still (in this case because they are relatively similar in voltage) get more output by combining them than without.

If you already have purchased the panels I would go ahead and put them all in parallel and try it out. You won’t get the combined total wattage of all the panels but you will get more than the individual panels by themselves. If it doesn’t meet your needs then you can rebuild the system to be more efficient (an MPPT system with higher voltage panels is recommended if you do this.). Of course that would be more $$$.

Good luck,

Curt

 

[FreeSoup]

OK gang, ready to take the arrows about how this is a bad idea, maybe some that think it is OK... Per this thread we wanted to get upper deck space as well as additional light and airflow into the kitchen hatch. Copied this from a boat we saw in San Diego, but was kind of the original idea as well. Definitely pros/cons. Only remaining addition is setting up the original mounts to drop it down on the rails for travel.

 

[Red Raven]

I like it! Nice solution.