Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

So I was just given two 80w and two 55w solar panels ...I would like to get them hooked to a pump. I'm not a solar buff but with our horse trailer I run a solar panel to a voltage controller then the battery, battery to inverter, appliance to inverter. Do I need to do similar for a pump?

Any advice welcomed. Thx

My system is: 3B Dreams
Video link on post if it helps.

What are the specs on the panels? mainly need to know Vmp and Imp or Isc

Do you want to run a DC or AC pump with them? You will need a battery if you want pumping to continue at night and in cloudy weather, so you will also need a charge controller. Whether or not you need an inverter, depends on what sort of pump you want to run.

I will look Thurday when I pick them up and post the info. I figure I will need a battery and controller. The current pump is AC but I'm flexible.... If I can get it off the grid eventually it would be great. No rush just thought I'd see what I need and start working on it. Thank you and I'll be back Thursday...

Mixing solar panels of different output ratings can result in some substantial efficiency losses. If the panels are the same voltage output rating, hook them up in parallel and see if they provide enough output to keep your batteries charged. You will have some losses depending on the difference between output voltages.

It's always recommended to buy identical panels and even panels from the same manufacturing batch to maximize efficiency.

All 4 are the same brand from what I am told. Thanks for the tip on not mixing. I did find a good archive post on here too...so there is a starting point now.

Mixing is fine if done correctly. For parallel connections of panels the maximum power voltage should be as close to equal as possible, and if in series in a string, the voltage doesn't matter (assuming you stay within charger limitis), but the current at maximum power voltage should be equal, or nearly so, within a few percent.

Maximum power point tracking charge controllers let you run much higher string voltages than the battery voltage, which allows longer cable runs between panels and charge controller, and/or reducing resistive losses in the cable. Double the voltage = half the current = 1/4 the resistive losses.

Got it