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Old 12-23-2021, 10:07 AM   #11
Dashash
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bmarler View Post
is that really a thing? separate controllers? i thought total power output would be whatever the panels put out. haven't studied up on the topic though.
It depends. If the array is organized such that each panel is connected to the next in series, shading on one panel will have a significant impact on output. So it would be best to split the array into smaller clusters of panels in series each with their own controller. But if the panels are all connected in parallel, you need but one charge controller for the lot, as shading on one panel will not negatively affect the rest of the array. That's my understanding, at least. But I think people tend to just say "use as many charge controllers as possible" without understanding the particular array configuration.
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