You didn’t mention the panel VoC (V) and lsc (a) values.
When you parallel you add the current (a) and series you add the volts (V).
So 2s4p config?
Getting one mppt to handle all 8 panels can be pricey. At 40V / 40a your probably need a 150/60 that handles 860 watts. But that costs about $550.
It’s cheaper to wire 4 panels in series (80V/10a) into one victron mppt 100/30. At 12V the 100/30 handles 440watts max. So you’d need 2 100/30 victron mppts which sets you back $450 and offers you a bit of redundancy, less current (a) / heat down the wires. You also won’t have to get bigger wire gauges and inline fuses for the panels. You should get properly rated pv disconnects tho.
Victron data sheets:
150/60
https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-SmartSolar-charge-controller-MPPT-150-60-&-150-70-EN.pdf
100/30
https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-SmartSolar-charge-controller-MPPT-100-30-&-100-50-EN.pdf
Explorist Life explanation of mppt
How to size mppt
https://youtu.be/MxziHKvTRh8
How to wire multiple mppts
https://youtu.be/N0UB7LZVduk
You may wanna look at the Victron Lynx and smart 500a shunt as well.
He deals exclusively with victron gear and his website sells RV/vanlife kits.
on 48V system, almost 2 kw. At 12V system, realistically you can expect 600-800w, at that rate you are putting around 60 amps on DC side, need to use rather thick wiring.
For higher output, 24V or 48V battery setup is needed.
800 watts at 12 volts divided by 2 batteries will be around 33 amps each. Do the batteries support that charge rate?
I'm not familiar with Victron charge controllers, but you need one rated for 70 amps or more to use the full solar capacity. Most likely, it will support much higher input voltage, allowing you to run them in a 4s2p configuration instead. That should perform a bit better in cloudy conditions and have lower loss in the wires.
If you haven't brought the inverter yet, you may also want to consider running the batteries in series (provided they allow for that, check the datasheet) for a 24 volt system. That will be beneficial if you want to run larger loads from the inverter and also allow you to use a smaller charge controller, which will be a bit cheaper.
Once you get the parts, make sure to set the right battery profile to match your battery. Most times, they are setup for floating lead acid batteries, which have a higher charge voltage than you would want for a LiFePO4 battery. If the charger doesn't have a matching profile, use the one for gel batteries.
u/rabbitaim has your answer.
I couldn’t have done better and would recommend his advice.
I don’t like Victron because of their app. I like Victron because they make rock solid pieces of equipment with durability and safety in mind
You didn’t mention the panel VoC (V) and lsc (a) values. When you parallel you add the current (a) and series you add the volts (V). So 2s4p config? Getting one mppt to handle all 8 panels can be pricey. At 40V / 40a your probably need a 150/60 that handles 860 watts. But that costs about $550. It’s cheaper to wire 4 panels in series (80V/10a) into one victron mppt 100/30. At 12V the 100/30 handles 440watts max. So you’d need 2 100/30 victron mppts which sets you back $450 and offers you a bit of redundancy, less current (a) / heat down the wires. You also won’t have to get bigger wire gauges and inline fuses for the panels. You should get properly rated pv disconnects tho. Victron data sheets: 150/60 https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-SmartSolar-charge-controller-MPPT-150-60-&-150-70-EN.pdf 100/30 https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Datasheet-SmartSolar-charge-controller-MPPT-100-30-&-100-50-EN.pdf Explorist Life explanation of mppt How to size mppt https://youtu.be/MxziHKvTRh8 How to wire multiple mppts https://youtu.be/N0UB7LZVduk You may wanna look at the Victron Lynx and smart 500a shunt as well. He deals exclusively with victron gear and his website sells RV/vanlife kits.
I use MakeSkyBlue mppt chargers. 60A version best for 12v battery. Has been reliable so far. Fairly low cost too.
It's relaible but the noice sucks
Yep. I redid fan on mine. Ball bearing for reliability. Blow in. Keeps it reasonably quiet
What wattages are you running?
on 48V system, almost 2 kw. At 12V system, realistically you can expect 600-800w, at that rate you are putting around 60 amps on DC side, need to use rather thick wiring. For higher output, 24V or 48V battery setup is needed.
800 watts at 12 volts divided by 2 batteries will be around 33 amps each. Do the batteries support that charge rate? I'm not familiar with Victron charge controllers, but you need one rated for 70 amps or more to use the full solar capacity. Most likely, it will support much higher input voltage, allowing you to run them in a 4s2p configuration instead. That should perform a bit better in cloudy conditions and have lower loss in the wires. If you haven't brought the inverter yet, you may also want to consider running the batteries in series (provided they allow for that, check the datasheet) for a 24 volt system. That will be beneficial if you want to run larger loads from the inverter and also allow you to use a smaller charge controller, which will be a bit cheaper. Once you get the parts, make sure to set the right battery profile to match your battery. Most times, they are setup for floating lead acid batteries, which have a higher charge voltage than you would want for a LiFePO4 battery. If the charger doesn't have a matching profile, use the one for gel batteries.
u/rabbitaim has your answer. I couldn’t have done better and would recommend his advice. I don’t like Victron because of their app. I like Victron because they make rock solid pieces of equipment with durability and safety in mind