Solar Panels Query

[Lightspeed]

(5 September 2013, 13:51)Skvez Wrote:

(2 September 2013, 12:47)Nix Wrote: Ok, as I see it, you're getting a series array of 24V solar panels ...

I agree with nix that this sounds like 12 panels rated at a nominal 24V each wired in series. Off load this will produce a voltage of around 400V DC.
This is fine for a grid-tie system but much too high a Voltage for a typical battery system.
In a SHTF scenario you would need to re-wire all the solar panels from series to parallel to give you 12 times the current at 24V. Then feeding this Voltage into a charge controller to charge two 12V batteries in series. (Perhaps only useing some of the panels if your charge controller isn't rated to handle the full current of all of them)
I fear the series wiring of the panels will occur on your roof not inside where it's easier to get to.
400V DC will give you a nasty shock, and if you're on the roof at the time even if you survive the shock you may not survive the fall when you let go.

Good point re the wiring being outside of the roof. To rewire them it prob best to work on them at night and from the underside by removing roof tiles into the loft.

What do you think?