I wondered whether any one could tell me if it is possible to connect different capacity photovoltaic panels in parallel? Say, an 80w panel in parallel with a 120w panel :?:
Sure, but the maximum power point voltage needs to be pretty close. On 12V panels this is usually about 17.5V. The pair will operate at the lower of the 2 voltages, introducing some loss vs. being used seperately.
Thanks Minnesota, some how I knew that you would have the answer! How do you thing would be the best way to include a 120w panel to an already 3x80w panels which I have connected together using a junction box? I would be grateful for any suggestions/recommendation that you could give me.
Are they all "12V" rated panels? - then just add it as a 4th and make sure your wire gage from the junction box to your controller/GTI can handle the higher current. You'd have to describe your exact setup in more detail to get a "better" answer. You pehaps should do some homework on solar. There are many sites you can go to and learn the basics and they likely will really help you.
Thanks again Minnesota! You already answer my question, I'll add it as a forth and increase the wire gage to cope with the higher current. My set up is very simple, 3x80w 12v panels in to a buss bar combiner box, two wires our of the box - +, in to a charge controler, out of the charge controler to a parallel connected 12v AGM Deep Cycle 400ah battery bank. Then i have a pure sine wave inverter to run a medium frost free fridge freezer and energy saving (10w) light bulbs. Cheers for the advice!
