LT3083 as a Voc Clamp to power LTC4015

I apologize but I am the product applications engineer for the LT3083 but I don't recommend using the LT3083 or any other non-switching device to drop the 6V between your solar panel and the LTC4015 because the non-switching device used that way will dissipate (waste) too much power.  Contact Technical Support from the Analog Devices web site and see if they can recommend a part that is a better fit than the LTC4015.

ARad,

Thanks for the reply, however as Zack has mentioned in his reply, we will be using the LT3083 to clip excess low current / high impedance current from solar panels (the open circuit voltage) part of it. Once the panels are loaded the voltage will automatically drop to below 36V and the LTC3083 will not really be regulating in this region. 

In this case is this acceptable? 

ARad,

Thanks for the reply, however as Zack has mentioned in his reply, we will be using the LT3083 to clip excess low current / high impedance current from solar panels (the open circuit voltage) part of it. Once the panels are loaded the voltage will automatically drop to below 36V and the LTC3083 will not really be regulating in this region. 

In this case is this acceptable? 

I apologize again but your system seems complicated to me and I don't have the resources to give you a good answer.  I would at least make sure the system functions properly including stability in an LTspice simulation with reasonable models for the panel and load.  Perhaps another way to answer is to say that I don't know of any reference designs - in articles, datasheets or my support history - where the LT3083 is used as you suggest.  That does not mean it is not possible to use the LT3083 as you suggest because normally I get support requests when there is a problem - not when things work.

ARad,

Thanks for the effort. However, we did a quick test with the LT3083 and we found it not to be suitable for the requirement, primarily because of thermal performance.