So, reading the manual for my new solar panels, I see that if they are wired in parallel, they insist you install a blocking diode in each. Well that is for the two 100 watt that I purchased. There are also four 50 watt that are wired in parallel.
So, when I put on the four 50's I did some research and thought I found that the current drop from a blocking diode was such that it was pretty much a wash for shading. So, on those four 50's which are arranged two on each side aft, I installed individual switches instead and switch them off whenever a panel becomes consistently shaded. Doing the same for the two 100's which will be on a bimini top isn't as easy.
Bottom line... does anyone have any applicable knowledge here that would help me figure out the best path here? I should probably have all six the same.
So, when I put on the four 50's I did some research and thought I found that the current drop from a blocking diode was such that it was pretty much a wash for shading. So, on those four 50's which are arranged two on each side aft, I installed individual switches instead and switch them off whenever a panel becomes consistently shaded. Doing the same for the two 100's which will be on a bimini top isn't as easy.
Bottom line... does anyone have any applicable knowledge here that would help me figure out the best path here? I should probably have all six the same.