we are adding a 200w panel to supplement the 2x80w panels insitu at the moment. I have to lift one 80 to connect the 200 so am I better off lifting both 80s and replacing them with 1x160 or keep the 2x80s. one way I have 3 panels connected and the other way 2 panels connected.

thanks for your help

Bas

Keep the three panels because if one gets shade on it you still have two working 

Dragonfly1 

HI
In a perfect world all the panels would be the same size brand wattage to get every last drop of solar to work for u . Its not a perfect world .
Consider a 30amp Mppt controller in the future to extract the most watts possible also .

I have 2 sets of 195 watts ,  3 panels each set  [ 65 watt each ] ,  1x fixed to roof 1 x portable 1 x 30a Mppt

When my batteries are close to 50% discharged ,charge rate is around 28amp 

-- Edited by swamp on Tuesday 10th of July 2018 12:51:09 PM

Bas + Eve wrote:

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we are adding a 200w panel to supplement the 2x80w panels insitu at the moment. I have to lift one 80 to connect the 200 so am I better off lifting both 80s and replacing them with 1x160 or keep the 2x80s. one way I have 3 panels connected and the other way 2 panels connected.

thanks for your help

 

Bas

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 Hi Baz

If All the panels have the same" Max power point"[ usually around 17/18V] best just connect them all in paralel  [all pos together  & all negs together]

Provided your existing regulator is rated at 20A or more ,all should be well.

What size cables do you have from the panels to the Reg & battery??