High volts in solar

[Zing]

I’m planning a new solar installation and it will suit me to go up to 86V or maybe even over 120V. Rather a different thing from my existing 24v wiring. I realise commercial installations can go much higher. Those Chinese made MC4 connectors, cables and junction boxes, bathed in UV and showered in salt water. Panels losing their integrity, Vibration and seal and cable breakdown, or maybe the long run inside the boat with chafe and insulation breakdown. Safety and reliability are my concern. Of course, fuses will be installed. Should I try to keep the volts lower? Are these concerns excessive? I note the 86V is close to the 100V rating. How much headroom over panel zero current volts if any should I provide in the controller?

 

[vas]

I run two 1X2m 48V open circuit panels in series. So down to the victron mppt 100/30 goes 85-92+V midday in the summer.
using these fancy mc4 connectors as well.
installed in 2018, closing 5yrs now, no issues.
Added advantage is that the wires can be thinner and easier to route.
I'd say go for it.

 

[William_H]

My house hold PV system runs at 380v from panels. Ordinary MC4 connectors and wiring. I don't think your wiring will be a great concern at 120v regarding insulation break down etc.
Should not need a fuse in PV wiring. However my home PV system does have 5amp fuses which have failed occasionally. Max PV current around 3.5 amps. Presumably a requirement of electricity authority. (had to have system professionally installed. Fuses may be some sort of lightning protection.
So biggest concern re panels in series and high voltage is (apart from human contact) the capability of the MPPT controller to handle high voltages. ol'will