Good day,

I have very limited roof space suitable for solar panels, mainly due to shading and roof construction. 

I should be able to fit 6 x 380 watt panels on a roof section facing NW at 24 deg pitch. 

There is also a section of roof facing NE, but this will only fit 3 panels. I'm planning to buy a Sunsynk inverter, but from what I understand 3 panels is not enough to connect to the solar input on the inverter. Is there another, cost effective, option to utilise these 3 panels?

Thanks

 

I would consider an inexpensive external MPPT solar charge controller that connects directly to the battery, sized for 3 panels. 3 panels is an awkward size, so you might even have to put the three panels in parallel. But series connection with a 200 V max MPPT should work fine.

I don't know SunSyncs, but I can't see why they would not work with that situation.

22 hours ago, Coulomb said:

I don't know SunSyncs, but I can't see why they would not work with that situation.

My understanding is that the required startup voltage is ~150 V, so to me it seems that 3 panels in series will not make it.

But maybe some more knowledgeable members could confirm?

3 Panels will not work on the SunSynk inverter, you are correct. You can do what Coulomb suggest or try our best to fit 4 panels on the roof.

1 hour ago, Irocmaster said:

3 Panels will not work on the SunSynk inverter, you are correct. You can do what Coulomb suggest or try our best to fit 4 panels on the roof.

Will 4 panels work without issues, i.e. reach the 150 V startup requirement?

Will they be less efficient than 4 panels on a longer string or similar. Thanks.

1 hour ago, Leonb said:

so to me it seems that 3 panels in series will not make it.

Not directly into the SunSynk, no. That's why I suggested an external MPPT, one that has a max input of around 200 VDC. Three large panels should be a good fit for one of those.

Yes 4 panels should be around 160V open and around 135V VMP. I see the spec for Sunsynk MPPT is 125 to 425V and start voltage of 150.V The MPPT should utilize the panels fully.