Connecting Solar Panels In Parallel Or Series

Solar panels are connected in parallel to obtain higher output current.

Connecting solar panels in parallel or series.

Unlike connecting in series connecting in parallel allows the voltage to stay the same but the current adds up. Now lets look at connecting solar panels in parallel. Solar panels are wired in series when you connect the positive terminal of one panel to the negative terminal of another. When solar panels are wired in series the voltage of the panels adds together but the amperage remains the same.

After that the strings of series connected panels are connected to each other in parallel. This is often used in 12v systems with multiple panels as wiring 12v panels in parallel allows you to keep your charging capabilities 12v. When connecting panels in series parallel the panels are wired together in series to form strings of panels. This is usually used with 12v set ups.

Contrary to the combination in series when solar panels are connected in parallel there may be one panel having power output below the spec of the other devices this could perhaps not influence the total power output of the chain significantly only if this particular panel possesses voltage rating on par with the other modules voltage. So when connecting solar panels in series always try to keep the electrical properties of the solar panels identical to get the full benefit of the solar array.