Hooking Solar Panels In Series

In a solar power system the higher the voltage and the lower the energy losses along the cables.

Hooking solar panels in series.

By connecting multiple solar panels in series we increase the system voltage. Parallel connection of two identical solar panels if we have two solar panels with same voltage and power the connection will be very simple. When wiring solar panels in a series the voltage is additive but the amperage remains the same. Connecting solar panels in series the series connection is done by wiring the positive terminal of each panel to the negative terminal of the next panel a connection similar to the ones of the christmas lights until the final panel is connected to the charge controller or inverter.

If you had 4 solar panels in a series and each was rated at 12 volts and 5 amps the entire array would be 48 volts and 5 amps. For example if you installed 5 solar panels in series with each solar panel rated at 12 volts and 5 amps you d still have 5 amps but a full 60 volts. When you wire in series there is just a single wire leading from the roof for each string of solar panels. To know the maximum system voltage we usually just need to turn the panel and read the label where the value is reported.

Connecting in series means joining the positive terminal of a solar panel to the negative terminal of the next solar panel until eventually you are left with one free positive and one free negative terminal of the array which are to be connected to the input either of the inverter in case of a grid tied system without a battery backup or the charge controller in case of a grid tied system with a battery backup or off grid solar panel system. Connecting in series when installing solar panels in series the voltage adds up but the current stays the same for all of the elements. In fact by wiring several solar panels in series we increase the voltage keeping the same current while wiring them in parallel we increase the current keeping the same voltage. When solar panels are wired in series the voltage of the panels adds together but the amperage remains the same.

When you connect two or more solar panels like this it becomes a pv source circuit. When a solar installer wires your solar panels in a series each panel is connected to the next in a string the total voltage of each solar panel is summed together but the amps of electrical current stay the same.