440w vs 380w

[crystalclear]

1) 150w + 100w + 190w panels in series

vs

2) 190w + 190w panels in series

going in to a 40a mppt controller

which system will generate more amps at optimal conditions

its mostly because i am lazy, and cant seem to figure out how to do simple math, what i understand is this:

in system 1, amps in will be 5amp (max amps of smallest panel) + excess volts over what the batteries are using to charge converted to amps

versus

system 2, where amps in will be 8/9amp + excess of volts into amps

and for the life of me, i cannot seem to figure out which is larger, the 4ish amps i gain by having the 2 190w panels, or the volts/amps gained by having 3 panels (but less base amps)

 

[calicamper]

I think your splitting hairs. Given actual produced power is never published ratings. Setup what you think will give you the power you need vs latitude and add or swap if needed.

My 285’s don’t do 285 on primo cool max solar days.

 

[crystalclear]

id have to look up exact specs - but i believe all panels fall between 18-20v

so i understand that in scenario 1, the smallest panel is what will dictate the amp current coming in as the lowest common denominator (making it a 300w array) - but i dont know if it is “worth it” because of the additonal voltage gained by having that third panel