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Solar panel design & Controller questions
Hello all; I have 40 solar cells for designing a solar panel;
here are the specs:
Each cell:
Voltage: 0,5 v
Max current: 8,4 amps
Max Power: 4,2 watts
Size: 156mm X 156mm
Origin: Taiwan
Average efficiency: 18%
Type: Polycristalline
The seller said that the panel, when build:
With 36 cells:
Power: 151,2 Watts
Voltage: 18Volts
Current: 8,4 Amps
With 40 cells:
Power: 168 Watts
Voltage: 20Volts
Current: 8,4 Amps
cell pic:
I have some questions..
1)I have calculated the dimensions as having 16cm each cell for separation between each one; so, the calculated design if i made it square would be 20x20 cells which equals to 3.2 meters ! I think it's too big; would be better to separate it in two PV of 20 each(10x10), or change the dimensions? e.g. 10x30 cells? -> 1.6m x 4.8m
2)some of the cells are cracked, but the seller do not have replacements; i have received a partial refund for this. please see the attachments for the cracks details; would be safe to use these cells? i have numerated the cells as(A-D), i'd like if possible, advice in which one i should discard or where to place it (e.g., put the cracked cells at the beginning or at the end of the cell array)
i've taken the pictures with my old phone(s3) (to zoom, just click the photo), if you guys would like better quality i can take with my new phone(note 4)
3)I have purchased this controller:
manual:
I don't think it's MPPT, but it says it's PWM, 30A, 12~24V
The pv array being able to deliver 16~20V max, will this controller be enough to manage the pv array and the battery? i'll be using a 12v acidic lead car battery between 40A and 60A;
(this would be a off grid system)
Thanks for anything!
here are the specs:
Each cell:
Voltage: 0,5 v
Max current: 8,4 amps
Max Power: 4,2 watts
Size: 156mm X 156mm
Origin: Taiwan
Average efficiency: 18%
Type: Polycristalline
The seller said that the panel, when build:
With 36 cells:
Power: 151,2 Watts
Voltage: 18Volts
Current: 8,4 Amps
With 40 cells:
Power: 168 Watts
Voltage: 20Volts
Current: 8,4 Amps
cell pic:
I have some questions..
1)I have calculated the dimensions as having 16cm each cell for separation between each one; so, the calculated design if i made it square would be 20x20 cells which equals to 3.2 meters ! I think it's too big; would be better to separate it in two PV of 20 each(10x10), or change the dimensions? e.g. 10x30 cells? -> 1.6m x 4.8m
2)some of the cells are cracked, but the seller do not have replacements; i have received a partial refund for this. please see the attachments for the cracks details; would be safe to use these cells? i have numerated the cells as(A-D), i'd like if possible, advice in which one i should discard or where to place it (e.g., put the cracked cells at the beginning or at the end of the cell array)
i've taken the pictures with my old phone(s3) (to zoom, just click the photo), if you guys would like better quality i can take with my new phone(note 4)
3)I have purchased this controller:
manual:
I don't think it's MPPT, but it says it's PWM, 30A, 12~24V
The pv array being able to deliver 16~20V max, will this controller be enough to manage the pv array and the battery? i'll be using a 12v acidic lead car battery between 40A and 60A;
(this would be a off grid system)
Thanks for anything!