February 21, 20242 yr Seeking some advice from the more experienced folks... Am wanting to choose some PV panels to marry to a Kodak OG 3.24 inverter, inverter specs as follows: Solar Charger Type: MPPT Maximum PV Array Power: 4000W MPP Range @ Operating Voltage: 120VDC ~ 430VDC Maximum PV Array Open Circuit Voltage: 500VDC Maximum Solar Charge Current: 80A Maximum AC Charge Current: 60A Maximum Charge Current: 80A House roof area layout as follows: There are one or two options from the Classifieds on these here fine forums to purchase some 345 watt panels, would I be putting my inverter at risk if I did two strings of 5 panels (giving me +/- 165v) and stuck them in parallel (giving +/- 22A) on the single input MPPT using a combiner box of sorts? Can't do 4 panel strings as the voltage would be borderline to get the MPPT operating. I'd do the above to compensate for the NE facing string being somewhat shaded in the early afternoon. Manual however is very spase on inverter max amps or if it will clip, etc. Or would I be better off/safer/less of an idiot & do a single NW facing string of 6x or 7x 500W+ panels in series (+/- 300v and +/- 11A)? Any and all advise and comments welcome! Thanks
February 21, 20242 yr 15 minutes ago, CraigZA said: Any and all advise and comments welcome! Thanks How about 5 X 500W NE and 5 X 500W NW in parallel... the Voltages are most important part... as long as 5 X 500W panels fit the bill in being away from the max Voltage the inverter is quoting on the MPPT, the current should be limited by the inverter and thus having the parallel strings should not be a problem... what battery Voltage is this inverter 48 or 24? at 24V and 80A that would imply nearly 2kW and at 48V and 80A it would imply nearly 4kW charge energy, I think... Edited February 21, 20242 yr by Kalahari Meerkat
February 21, 20242 yr 38 minutes ago, CraigZA said: Manual however is very spase on inverter max amps or if it will clip, etc. I found the spec of the max DC current for the inverter on this web page https://shop-solar.co.za/product/kodak-off-grid-inverter-vmiii-3kw-24v/ Max DC Current: 18A. But don't quote me or take my word, rather check it from the manufacturer. If this is true, personal take is, one string of panels facing either NE or NW depending on the time of day you want more power. I'd get 6-8 of the 500W panels depending on the size of the battery and your power needs, and keep half an eye on expansion with a second similar string if you ever upgrade to a dual-MPPT inverter. Otherwise if you get 345W panels at a good deal, see if 8-10 in series will fit. All to be double-checked, all at own risk.
February 21, 20242 yr 3 hours ago, GreenFields said: I found the spec of the max DC current for the inverter on this web page https://shop-solar.co.za/product/kodak-off-grid-inverter-vmiii-3kw-24v/ Max DC Current: 18A. But don't quote me or take my word, rather check it from the manufacturer. If this is true, personal take is, one string of panels facing either NE or NW depending on the time of day you want more power. I'd get 6-8 of the 500W panels depending on the size of the battery and your power needs, and keep half an eye on expansion with a second similar string if you ever upgrade to a dual-MPPT inverter. Otherwise if you get 345W panels at a good deal, see if 8-10 in series will fit. All to be double-checked, all at own risk. Cannot fault any of your guidance. This inverter is meant for high current single string input based on the 18A PV input. Best tko go for panels with a highish current but still get to above the start voltage. Then as mentioned the call will be NE or NW? A hard one. This roof really calls for a twin MPPT to be efficient.
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