understanding panel specs

[agmccall]

Hello All

I am trying to put together a off grid solar/wind system. I want it to be 48 volt.

The wind turbine is set, it is 48 volt

But how do I figure the solar panels. Do I just hook them up and let the charge controller sort it out? following is the specs for a panel I might get, so maybe that could make answering easier

THank You

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) PANEL
240 Watts Mono-Crystalline Solar Panels
Data sheet module 240 Watts
Module type ST-240-MONO
Cell characteristics
Number of cells 72
Cell type Mono
Cell dimensions 156*156mm

Module characteristics (STC) Standard Test Conditions:1000W/m2 ,250C,AM1.5)
Peak power (Pmpp) 240Wp
Peak power voltage (Vmpp) 34.7 V
Peak power current (Impp) 7.2 A
Open circuit voltage (Voc) 43.78 V
Short circuit current (Isc) 7.95 A
Solar cell efficiency 16.20%
Maximum system voltage 1000 V
Power tolerance +/- 5%

Temperature coefficients
Power -0.47%/℃
Open circuit voltage (Voc) -0.38%/℃
Short circuit current (Isc) +0.10%/℃

Physical characteristics
Dimensions 1480×1320×50 mm
Weight 25 kg
Packing configuration 21 pcs per carton
Frame Anodized aluminium

Output terminal Lead wire with waterproof connector

Peak power warranty 25years≥80% of minimal guaranteed power

Temperature ratings -40 to +90℃ operating temperature
-40 to +90℃ storage temperature

ThankYou

Al

[12vman]

Your panel(s) must provide a higher working voltage than your sytem operating voltage to be able to fully charge your battery. A charge controller will control the charge rate to your battery.

The working voltage of your example above would be OK for a 24 volt system, being it has a voltage (Vppm) of 34.7 volts. In order for you to use the above panel, you would need to use two of them connected in series to raise the working voltage above 48 volts, your system operating voltage. The working voltage will double but the amperage will remain the same as one. (69.4 volts @ 7.2 amps) The wattage doubles because the voltage doubles.

Peak power voltage (Vmpp) 34.7 V
Peak power current (Impp) 7.2 A*

34.7 x 7.2* = 249.84 watts\
*Peak Readings* (Their math and mine never adds up!)
69.4 x 7.2* = 499.68 watts/

Hope this helps..

[agmccall]

Thank You,

So, basically, if I have 12 panels. I would have 6 sets of 2 panels, send them to a combiner box then to the charge controller?

Al

[12vman]

Yes.. Using the above panel as an example. If you were to use an MPPT type controller, you could connect 3 in series and have 4 sets to the combiner, or possibly 4 in series at 3 sets, depending on the input voltage limit of the controller. Outback make one that will handle 140 volts on the input and will charge a 48 volt system.