So I'm considering a 400W system for our 28' AS. My current intent:
- Use the existing Zamp wiring provided with the trailer (yes, yuck)
- Connect two sets of 100W panels in series
- Plug each pair to one of the Zamp inputs on the roof (leave remaining port unused)
We already have members reporting good results with this setup, others will never go there since they are firm believers in a full parallel approach. However the factory Zamp wiring is best suited for a series-parallel installation.
So let's pretend we've settled on series-parallel.
Has anyone installed bypass diodes for each panel connected with that topology? This would seem to alleviate concerns about a string getting wiped out by shading.
If I google for "bypass diode for entire panel" I only get results showing the internal bypass diodes already present within the panel junction box. (BTW these already perform the same function at the cell level as I'm proposing at the panel level.) I can't find any examples where someone has actually installed bypass diodes across the panel.
I did find some articles online showing how it _should_ be done.
Like this:
Suitable diodes seem cheap:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...GWS04X9MGBC2EH
To make the connection parallel, is it not simply a matter of connecting the diode across the black and red wires just before they exit the junction box?
References:
https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws...ss-diodes.html
https://sinovoltaics.com/learning-ce...-solar-panels/