As the original poster of this thread back on 2/28 I also want to thank everyone for their helpful comments.? [A PC blue screen of death killed my laptop shortly after posting, then other events delayed continuing the thought process.? This past week the deck cleared sufficiently.]?

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My challenge has been finding panels that would lay on the canvas and fit in the available space: aft of the split backstay, not block a sight window to check on the main trim in the forward section, and to not have a panel lay across the middle support of the bimini.? Have attached a photo.? Do not want a frame above the bimini.? I believe a combination of 4 Solbian panels [2 x 82W and 2 x 54W, one of each on each side of the bimini] providing a nominal 272W is the best I can do.? These are the only panels I have found with dimensions that will fit in the available space.? Am trying to use stock panels and beat any additional tariffs, so custom panels are out of the equation.

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To use a Victron controller my understanding is the voltage has to exceed the battery by 5+V, and to make certain of that each pair would need to be wired in series and then to separate port and starboard controllers.? From my reading series wiring add volts but keeps the current at the lowest of the panels in the series.? A question: is the current the “open circuit” current on the spec sheet for the panel or the “maximum power point” current on the specs?? These panels both have open circuit (Isc) of 6A but their maximum power current is 4.5A and 6.8A, so will wiring them in series work at 6A or be reduced to the 4.5A, reducing the potential charging capacity of the array???

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An alternative might be to wire the 2 larger 82W panels together in series and the 2 smaller 54W together, then to the controllers.?

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Any comments / suggestions are appreciated.

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Thanks,

Brian

Escapade? S426

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