moron51

RikH, I do indeed understand! And thanks. This inverter is designed for 24V battery systems, so theoretically a parallel row of panels (maybe 8, since the rated max PV current is 80A) should deliver enough voltage, if the Vmp is around 30-35V. Yes, that's a lot of current, and I'd need to run some heavy cables. But it would mean that all panels that get sun would contribute to the total. As soon as I start arranging panels in strings, my risk of panels shutting down due to shade increases - if I understand correctly? One shaded panel shuts down two panels.

Thanks guys. So I'm hearing maybe six (or nine?) 60-cell panels wired in strings of three, to deliver a best-case 1.8 kWp (2.7 with nine panels). That sounds like it will charge my existing 4.8kW batteries while running average daytime loads. With some fat cables from the roof into the house. Update - one more thing... My east-facing roof is surrounded by trees, so wherever I put the panels, some of them will be in shadow for some of the day. Am I better off then wiring all my panels in parallel (it's a 24V system), to avoid one shaded panel shutting down an entire string? Fatter cables...

Thanks guys. So I'm hearing maybe six (or nine?) 60-cell panels wired in strings of three, to deliver a best-case 1.8 kWp (2.7 with nine panels). That sounds like it will charge my existing 4.8kW batteries while running average daytime loads. With some fat cables from the roof into the house.

Here’s the sticker with the specs. Thanks for the feedback

I bought an Axpert-like 3kVA solar inverter from GeeWiz some time back, to use as a load shedding backup controller. It has saved us many times! The original 2x 12V 100Ah Royal 1150K batteries have been doubled up (one each old and new battery in each bank). This runs a fridge, two freezers, the garage door opener and the internet. Occasionally the TV and stereo.But a recent 20-hour maintenance power outage has got me thinking that it is time to add some solar panels.I'm a solar noob, but my understanding is that the PV-1800's MPPT is rated at 30-130V 80A. What is the best configuration of panels to make best use of the existing controller? Can I run two or more strings of three panels on one MPPT? Or will three panels in series exceed the voltage rating under no-load conditions? I realise that at some point I'm going to want to upsize - better batteries, more capacity, more power out, and at least two MPPTs (house faces east-west). But for now I just want a starter-for-one investment that will help to keep us sane through the next round of load shedding.

PVStore in Wynberg seems to carry Pylontech. https://pvstore.co.za/collections/batteries