Solar panel choice

[Shadow Catcher]

There are a number of us that have chosen to use solar panels with our teardrops and others that are contemplating it.
I got an email this morning from Morningstar, (I have two SunSaver MPPT controllers) with an explanation of why a high voltage panel and MPPT controller are perhaps the better choice for camping.
Our set up is a 66 cell high voltage solar panel intended for a grid tie application that I in ignorance purchased used on Ebay. I discovered that to handle the high voltage an MPPT controller would be necessary and chose a Morningstar because of its reputation. The ultimate result was serendipitous and works very well even in poor shaded/cloudy light conditions.

http://www.morningstarcorp.com/en/suppo ... rimer2.pdf

"The difference between a PMW and MPPT
For PWM controllers the input current equals the output current and is not transformed.
An MPPT controller transforms higher voltage and lower current at the input to a lower battery voltage and higher charging current on the output.

Effect of maximum charging power limit of a Morningstar TrakStar MPPT controller on an over sized array
Better production early and late in the day.
Operates at maximum power rating getting full charging potential of MPPT controller more often.
Better production during low solar insolation periods (cloudy weather)
Limits the maximum charging current."

Note In this instance they are discussing a panel with a higher wattage than the 200 W but it applies also to a high voltage i.e. my 185 W.
With the often limited space to mount a panel on a teardrop the use of a higher voltage panel and MPPT controller may be a good choice