pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi CA Traveler,
My panels have diodes between each cell. Unfortunately they are no longer made. (Unisolar US-60) They also do not have any glass.
I chose series/parallel for an input voltage to a BlueSky MPPT controller of 33 volts.
There is one German company that does make panels with diodes between each cell. Unfortunately they never replied to my query about purchasing from them.
If I were starting out, I'd look carefully at these;
https://www.amazon.ca/Flexible-Panels-Ef........9001243&hvtargid=pla-2200563485473&psc=1
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
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TechWriter
Part-Timing Again
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Joined: 12/22/2002
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CA Traveler wrote:My take is that half cell series panels (with the new MPPT controller) are more likely to be a disadvantage for the typical RV due to the unique shade and shade orientation required for more shade power vs the full cell panels.
This has not been my experience with half cells (aka half panels, half cuts, . . .).
I finished my 4th RV solar install about a year ago, and had several months to test them, both in shaded storage and on the road.
My three REC N-peak 2 365W 120 half-cut cell PV panels have been performing far better than any other panel and setup I've used, especially in the shade.
However, to be fair I think much of that improvement has to do with my Victron equipment, especially my Victron MPPT controller.
2004 - 2010 Part Timer (35’ 2004 National RV Sea Breeze 8341 - Workhorse)
2010 - 2021 Full Timer (41’ 2001 Newmar Mountain Aire 4095 DP - Cummins)
2021 - ??? Part Timer (31’ 2001 National RV Sea View 8311 - Ford)
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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TechWriter,
Victron is first class. I'm glad to hear it is working well for you.
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StirCrazy
Kamloops, BC, Canada
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Joined: 07/16/2003
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TechWriter wrote:CA Traveler wrote:My take is that half cell series panels (with the new MPPT controller) are more likely to be a disadvantage for the typical RV due to the unique shade and shade orientation required for more shade power vs the full cell panels.
This has not been my experience with half cells (aka half panels, half cuts, . . .).
I finished my 4th RV solar install about a year ago, and had several months to test them, both in shaded storage and on the road.
My three REC N-peak 2 365W 120 half-cut cell PV panels have been performing far better than any other panel and setup I've used, especially in the shade.
However, to be fair I think much of that improvement has to do with my Victron equipment, especially my Victron MPPT controller.
naw, it's not the Victron, it's the panels and the fact it's an MPPT controller. I get the same type of effect with my renogy and 325watt split cell panel when comparing it to my 5th wheel. I have a 480-watt PWM 12V panel setup on the 5th and the 325-watt split cell MPPT puts out more charge amps.
Steve
2014 F350 6.7 Platinum
2016 Cougar 330RBK
1991 Slumberqueen WS100
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CA Traveler
The Western States
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Joined: 01/03/2004
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Those panels are very efficient with low light. 92% @ 100 Wm2. Combined wiith the very efficient Victron MPPT contorller the output would be the same as a similar panel with full cut cells.
Half cut panels are designed to work to improve performance with a unique shadow pattern of larger grid arrays and a contoller that operates with both power points. But if starting over I'd look hard at the same panels and the Victron controllerl
2009 Holiday Rambler 42' Scepter with ISL 400 Cummins
750 Watts Solar Morningstar MPPT 60 Controller
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Bob
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