300 watts Parallel or 400 series/Parallel

[JoeHTP]

I am going to add solar to our 25RBQ soon, using the Airstream prewire (yes I know...its better to go direct with thicker wire). The question is, given the limitations, what is a better choice, 300 parallel that will be more shade tolerant, or 400 series/parallel, which is more powerful, but more prone to loss of power due to shading?

[GMFL]

400 watts Series/Parallel will give you higher voltage and lower Amps. Lower amps and higher voltage will be more efficient with the 10Awg prewire. The whole partially shading bit does not effect the newer panels like it did the older ones.

[SuperTrouper]

Originally Posted by GMFL

400 watts Series/Parallel will give you higher voltage and lower Amps. Lower amps and higher voltage will be more efficient with the 10Awg prewire. The whole partially shading bit does not effect the newer panels like it did the older ones.

X2 - Brad

[JoeHTP]

Ok, you guys have convinced me, series/parallel it is. Thanks!

Question: Do I need to fuse each series/parallel set of panels before I connect to the combiner box?

[SuperTrouper]

Originally Posted by JoeHTP

Ok, you guys have convinced me, series/parallel it is. Thanks!

Question: Do I need to fuse each series/parallel set of panels before I connect to the combiner box?

Most solar panels are designed to deliver very near short circuit current so I don't see a need for it. (I didn't with my AM Solar 400 watt kit.)

Reference: https://electronics.stackexchange.co...short-circuit#

Brad