will a 30 volt solar panel work with 12 volt system?

[landslide03]

Hey guys,

So far i have a 800 watt solar system that is running on 12 volts panels, actually I guess they are 18 volt panels. I came across a good deal online for panel that at rated at 30 volts open circuit. Will these work with my tristar 60 amp controller? or should i group my panels to 24 volts to go with this set up. Thanks again, i just want to see if i can use these panels with my system.

[Sunking]

You can add it in parallel with the other panels but you will sacrifice about 30% of the power as its voltage will be pulled down to match the existing panels.

[Mike90250]

We need the specs off your panel,
Voc & VmaxP

Sharp208_c.jpg

[landslide03]

Thanks for the quick reply, i am trying to look at the back picture which is a little grainy, it looks like it says:

Watts 245
Peak Power Voltage 30 volts
amps 8.3
open circuit voltage 27 volts

The only reason i am asking is i can get these panels for less than a dollar a watt. So i was hoping it would be a great way to get some extra panels at a cheap price. Will it work with a 12 volt system? or do i have to make it run a 24 volt system.

thank you

[TnAndy]

Think maybe you might have the two voltage numbers reversed, but anyway, those aren't 24v panels per se, as they are too low to really charge a battery at 24v......which isn't to say you can't use them with an MPPT controller and wire a couple/three of them in series.

You have an 800w system based on 12v now.....what's the ultimate goal ? If you plan to expand considerably, you probably ought to consider stepping up to 24 or 48v.....cut your fusing and wire costs/sizes considerably.