Shaded Panels - Catamaran Boom

[ArranP]

Following are two layouts for solar panels, I have attempted to demonstrate the shading when the boom is on the left and when the boom is on the right side.

I am uncertain of the best possible configuration in terms of strings and parallel.

I have 4 mppt charge controllers, more can be add more if need be. Panels are 500w 1.2m x 2.1m





Thank you for your comments

[more]

Originally Posted by ArranP

Following are two layouts for solar panels, I have attempted to demonstrate the shading when the boom is on the left and when the boom is on the right side.

I am uncertain of the best possible configuration in terms of strings and parallel.

I have 4 mppt charge controllers, more can be add more if need be. Panels are 500w 1.2m x 2.1m

Attachment 249722

Attachment 249723

Thank you for your comments

1 panel 1 mppt. don't worry be happy

[ArranP]

Originally Posted by more

1 panel 1 mppt. don't worry be happy

Slar panels have diodes that bypass the panel if it is shaded, I don't see the benefit in having one charge controller per panel.

[SailFastTri]

Shading depends as much or more on sun angle, vs boom angle. Regardless, I would divide the loads so that you group your panels to port mppt controllers and starboard mppt controllers.
You’ll always have panels that are at least partially shaded. It’s an imperfect world.

[dksail]

Originally Posted by ArranP

Slar panels have diodes that bypass the panel if it is shaded, I don't see the benefit in having one charge controller per panel.

What happens when a panel is partially shaded, the voltage will drop as does the amperage. If that panel is connected to another with no shading, the lower voltage will prevail, thus reducing the output on both panels. By having 1 MPPT/panel you eliminate this.

That said, wire your system with 2 panels/MPPT so you increase the voltage and reduce wire size. I agree with the previous post and keep starboard panels together and port panels together. This concept will depend on what ratings your MPPT’s are.

[more]

Originally Posted by dksail

What happens when a panel is partially shaded, the voltage will drop as does the amperage. If that panel is connected to another with no shading, the lower voltage will prevail, thus reducing the output on both panels. By having 1 MPPT/panel you eliminate this.

That said, wire your system with 2 panels/MPPT so you increase the voltage and reduce wire size. I agree with the previous post and keep starboard panels together and port panels together. This concept will depend on what ratings your MPPT’s are.

On land farm who care panels is cheap you have 100 acre farm. put 10 more panels who care for shade(except many thousand solar panel in fire)
on boat space is limited,very limited and very costly.
Buy best panel on market and if you can 1 mppt 1-2 panel

[ArranP]

Originally Posted by dksail

That said, wire your system with 2 panels/MPPT so you increase the voltage and reduce wire size. I agree with the previous post and keep starboard panels together and port panels together. This concept will depend on what ratings your MPPT’s are.

I have 4 MPPT solar chargers each wtih the following ratings

[ArranP]

Originally Posted by SailFastTri

Shading depends as much or more on sun angle, vs boom angle. Regardless, I would divide the loads so that you group your panels to port mppt controllers and starboard mppt controllers.
You’ll always have panels that are at least partially shaded. It’s an imperfect world.

Like the following... ?

[CatNewBee]

You need to walk on that roof. Make a solar arch aft.

[Palarran]

Originally Posted by CatNewBee

You need to walk on that roof. Make a solar arch aft.

Yep, and the diagram is super rudimentary. It's highly unlikely you can actually install panels like that.

For the op, move your boom to a bigger angle. Essentially you are restricted by the shrouds. Probably the panels will be in a row at the back of the bimini.

[ArranP]

Originally Posted by CatNewBee

You need to walk on that roof. Make a solar arch aft.

I had considered that and thought that it is possible to walk inside / on the boom itself..... alternatively lay temporary board across the top of the panels when needed.

[ArranP]

Originally Posted by Palarran

Yep, and the diagram is super rudimentary. It's highly unlikely you can actually install panels like that.

For the op, move your boom to a bigger angle. Essentially you are restricted by the shrouds. Probably the panels will be in a row at the back of the bimini.

panels added to back of the bimini.

[more]

Originally Posted by ArranP

I have 4 MPPT solar chargers each wtih the following ratings

Attachment 249753

why you don't say brand you have and type.

But in reality all MPPT over 50A is wasting money also this high current MPPT 200+ V on boat also is huge mistake.

Again this HV HC mppt is for project on middle field 1 nm from sea and 1 nm from tree.

IF this Victron equipment hire Victron dealer to make plan,and after this ask Victron community for advice.

[SailFastTri]

Originally Posted by ArranP

Like the following... ?

Attachment 249754

Not at all. Sun angle has little to do with boom angle. Your boom and sail will be angled to leeward, but if the sun angle is also leeward the sail will be casting shadow to windward.

The comment above about needing to walk on those panels is also correct. Your idea about walking on the boom or laying down plywood might work at a dock but it's not practical for routine sail handling underway, or even in a rough anchorage.

You should keep the salon/cockpit top mostly open, and install a solar panel frame aft of the traveler.

[ArranP]

Originally Posted by more

why you don't say brand you have and type.

But in reality all MPPT over 50A is wasting money also this high current MPPT 200+ V on boat also is huge mistake.

Again this HV HC mppt is for project on middle field 1 nm from sea and 1 nm from tree.

IF this Victron equipment hire Victron dealer to make plan,and after this ask Victron community for advice.

It is not victron equipment.