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mixing different size PV panels

  • 09-03-2021 11:00am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,057 ✭✭✭


    looking at upgrading my array (DIy build). getting a bit jealous with everyone posting about their 6-10kWh array :)

    have 8 x 315W Longi panels which are south facing on one string and 4 x 315W on another string facing west .

    I'm going to add another 4-6 panels onto the south string ( onto wall on brackets).

    one company in Dublin will sell me 360W longi panels for same price as I paid for 315 panels last year.

    as I understand it if I add these 360W panels to the 315W panels then I would be limited by the current (Ip) in the 315 panels (all panels connected in series).
    both panels have very similar voltage .

    any thoughts ?

    my other options to change out the 4 x 315 panels and add them to this string and put the new 4 x 360W panels onto the west facing string.

    either option will up my array from 3.7 kw to 5.2kw. for aprox €700.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66,132 ✭✭✭✭unkel
    Chauffe, Marcel, chauffe!


    Yes you're right on both counts. I'm in the same situation and I have just accepted the fact that I am losing about 65W per panel max. Either that or pay a roofer to replace the panels on my high roof (which will never pay for itself)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,627 ✭✭✭quentingargan


    Maybe look for some 320w panels of a different brand, but with similar current. The 320w are usually smaller so you can fit more, and cheaper too, so more watts per €


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,057 ✭✭✭mun1


    The voltage current curves would need to be similar I’d say, thats why i was looking at the 360W longi to add to the 315 W longi .
    Trying to source some 315W longi today , as it will the easiest effort.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,057 ✭✭✭mun1


    320 amerisolar panels are similar in size and VP and IP ranges. Might have a closer look at these


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,057 ✭✭✭mun1


    Added in the 4 x 320W amerisolar panels today .

    They are at 45 deg angle (brackets on wall) and other 8 on string are at approx 40 deg on shed roof. (All facing south)

    Everything seems to be working fine, getting the correct boost in voltage.

    Array now at 5 kw and even though today is hazy and cloudy on 11kwh , which seems good .


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  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 40,370 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gumbo


    I have 10x300w panels on front and 5x340w on rear.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,057 ✭✭✭mun1


    I needed to put the extra panels on the same south facing string where i have 8 existing 315 panels .
    The other string is taken up with west facing panels.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 764 ✭✭✭buzz11


    mun1 wrote: »
    Added in the 4 x 320W amerisolar panels today .

    They are at 45 deg angle (brackets on wall) and other 8 on string are at approx 40 deg on shed roof. (All facing south)


    Where did you source wall brackets?

    Could you post a photo of the wall mounted panels? I'm interested in doing the same but unsure how it will look.

    Thanks!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,057 ✭✭✭mun1


    Got brackets form amazon.co.uk and used M8 rawl bolts for top fixings


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66,132 ✭✭✭✭unkel
    Chauffe, Marcel, chauffe!


    Linky to the brackets?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,057 ✭✭✭mun1




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 235 ✭✭slayer91


    Hi,

    I am planning to do something similar, could you please post details of how you attached the sloping PV panels to the brackets

    Regards
    Liam


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,057 ✭✭✭mun1


    Mounting instructions and fixings to attach panel to bracket come with the brackets


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