Hello
Off grid system. SE Michigan.
Currently I have 2 solar arrays consisting of (15) 320 watt panels facing west, and (12) 320 watt panels facing south. Each array
feeds into it's own Midnight Classic 200. So I have (2) Midnight Classic 200s charging 1 large lithium battery.
However, as we all know, there are days when you have severe overcast and sometimes I must run my DC generator to help out the system.
My average consumption is 18 Kwh's per day
Taking one of those days as an example, looking at my Midnight Classic display(s), I can see where I've only produced say, 10 Kwh's (total). I must make the other 8 Kwh's with the generator.
When we have just light sky (not even any sun), I'm good. My 10K of solar will keep up, and if we have actual "sun", the battery is charged to 100% in a matter of perhaps 2 hours.
So here's my thought, and ultimately my question.
I've purchased another (24) panels with the idea of extending the 2 existing arrays, by 12 panels each, and I initially figured I'd also have to double up on the wiring to bring that extra power to the shack. But then I got thinking, if the Midnight Classic limits the output current, perhaps I don't need to add anything- no duplication of wiring, no additional Midnight Classics
What I'm thinking is : in a good sun day, wouldn't the Classic just limit the extra available current that it has at it's disposal from the extra panels ?
And likewise, in a bad sun day, the extra panels will just add to the available current that feeds the Classic ? (exactly what I want)
Now I realize, if I were to run a dedicated set of wires from the 12 new panels at each array, and buy 2 more Midnight Classics, I could charge my battery in half the time in good
sun---- but I don't need all that power in good sun. I don't even need all the power in cloudy weather. I only need that power when it's heavy overcast. --- thus
my idea of over feeding the existing Midnight Classics
Does this make sense ?
What are your thoughts.
Thanks
Mark