With a MPPT solar charge controller, is it better to try to get the highest voltage (without blowing it) as possible, or is it best to keep in parallel? My train of thought is that if they are in series, when it's overcast or if there are shadows the resulting voltage may be high enough so that the MPPT controller can then bring it down to a level where it can charge the batteries. If they are in parallel then the voltage may be too low to charge the batteries when it's overcast.
So is it best to try to get close enough to the MPPT controller's max voltage, instead of keeping the strings of panels lower voltage? I'm thinking of buying 2-4 100w panels for my shed and assuming each panel is going to be 12v nominal I could put them all in parallel but I could also put them in series, or in groups of 2 in series. I'm leaning towards groups of 2 in series. I did not buy the panels yet so of course it's ratings may change my idea. My controller has a max open circuit voltage of 60v, so putting the 4 in parallel may be cutting it close (assuming 48v nominal, but it will be much higher in full sun) so leaning towards groups of 2.
Am I on the right track? Or should I just go parallel? For now I have two 60w modules in parallel and thinking I might rewire them in series just to see.