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Connecting Solar Panels Together for Increased Power Article March 16, 2024 at 5:12 am 2024-03-16T05:12:06-04:00
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Connecting Solar Panels Together

How to Connect Solar Panels Together

solar powerConnecting solar panels together is a simple and effective way of increasing your solar power capabilities. Going green is a great idea, and as the sun is our ultimate power source, it makes sense to utilize this energy to power our homes. As solar power becomes more accessible, more and more homeowners are buying photovoltaic solar panels.

However, these photovoltaic solar panels can be very costly so buying them over time helps to spread the cost. But the problem then becomes how do we connect these extra solar panels together to increase the voltage and power output of what’s already there.

The trick here when connecting solar panels together is to choose a connection method that is going to give you the most energy efficient configuration for your particular requirements.

Connecting solar panels together can seem like a daunting task when you first start to look at how it should be done, but connecting multiple solar panels together is not that hard with a little thought. Wiring solar panels together in either parallel or series combinations to make larger arrays is an often overlooked, yet completely essential part of any well designed solar power system.

There are three basic but very different ways of connecting solar panels together and each connection method is designed for a specific purpose. For example, to produce more output voltage or to produce more current.

Solar photovoltaic panels can be electrically connected together in series to increase the voltage output, or they can be connected together in parallel to increase the output amperage. Solar pv panels can also be wired together in both series and parallel combinations to increase both the output voltage and current to produce a higher wattage array.

Whether you are connecting two or more solar panels, as long as you understand the basic principles of how connecting multiple solar panels together increases power and how each of these wiring methods works, you can easily decide on how to wire your own panels together. After all connecting solar panels together correctly can greatly improve the efficiency of your solar system.

Connecting Solar Panels Together in Series

The first method we will look at for connecting solar panels together is what’s known as “Series Wiring“. The electrical connection of solar panels in series increases the total system output voltage. Series connected solar panels are generally used when you have a grid connected inverter or charge controller that requires 24 volts or more. To series wire the panels together you connect the positive terminal to the negative terminal of each panel until you are left with a single positive and negative connection.

Solar panels in series add up or sum the voltages produced by each individual panel, giving the total output voltage of the array as shown.

Solar Panels in Series of Same Characteristics

connecting solar panels together in series

In this method ALL the solar panels are of the same type and power rating. The total voltage output becomes the sum of the voltage output of each panel. Using the same three 6 volt, 3.0 amp panels from above, we can see that when these pv panels are connected together in series, the array will produce an output voltage of 18 Volts (6 + 6 + 6) at 3.0 Amperes, giving 54 Watts (volts x amps) at full sun.

Now lets look at connecting solar panels in series with different nominal voltages but with identical current ratings.

Solar Panels in Series of Different Voltages

solar panels in series with different voltages

In this method all the solar panels are of different types and power rating but have a common current rating. When they are connected together in series, the array produces 21 volts at 3.0 amps, or 63 watts. Again the output amperage will remain the same as before at 3.0 amps but the voltage output jumps to 21 volts (5 + 7 + 9) .

Finally, lets look at connecting solar panels in series with completely different nominal voltages and different current ratings.

Solar Panels in Series of Different Currents

solar panels in series with different currents

In this method all the solar panels are of different types and power rating. The individual panel voltages will add together as before, but this time the amperage will be limited to the value of the lowest panel in the series string, in this case 1 Ampere. Then the array will produce 19 Volts (3 + 7 + 9) at 1.0 Ampere only, or only 19 watts out of a possible 69 watts available reducing the arrays efficiency.

We can see that the solar panel rated at 9 volts, 5 amps, will only use one fifth or 20% of its maximum current potential reducing its efficiency and wasting money on the purchase of this solar panel. Connecting solar panels in series with different current ratings should only be used provisionally, as the solar panel with the lowest rated current determines the current output of the whole array.

Connecting Solar Panels Together in Parallel

The next method we will look at of connecting solar panels together is what’s known as “Parallel Wiring“. Connecting solar panels together in parallel is used to boost the total system current and is the reverse of the series connection. For parallel connected solar panels you connect all the positive terminals together (positive to positive) and all of the negative terminals together (negative to negative) until you are left with a single positive and negative connection to attach to your regulator and batteries.

When you connect solar panels together in parallel, the total voltage output remains the same as it would for a single panel, but the output current becomes the sum of the output of each panel as shown.

Solar Panels in Parallel of Same Characteristics

connecting solar panels together in parallel

In this method ALL the solar panels are of the same type and power rating. Using the same three 6 Volt, 3.0 Amp panels as above, the total output of the panels, when connected together in parallel, the output voltage still remains at the same value of 6 volts, but the total amperage has now increased to 9.0 Amperes (3 + 3 + 3), producing 54 watts at full sun.

But what if our newly acquired solar panels are non-identical, how will this affect the other panels. We have seen that the currents add together, so no real problem there, just as long as the panel voltages are the same and the output voltage remains constant. Lets look at connecting solar panels in parallel with different nominal voltages and different current ratings.

Solar Panels in Parallel with Different Voltages and Currents

connecting solar panels together

Here the parallel currents add up as before but the voltage adjusts to the lowest value, in this case 3 volts or some voltage value very close to 3 volts. Solar panels must have the same output voltage to be useful in parallel. If one panel has a higher voltage it will supply the load current to the degree that its output voltage drops to that of the lower voltage panel.

We can see that the solar panel rated at 9 volts, 5 amps, will only operate at a maximum voltage of 3 volts as its operation is being influenced by the smaller panel, reducing its efficiency and wasting money on the purchase of this higher power solar panel. Connecting solar panels in parallel with different voltage ratings is not recommended as the solar panel with the lowest rated voltage determines the voltage output of the whole array.

Then when connecting solar panels together in parallel it is important that they ALL have the same nominal voltage value, but it is not necessary that they have the same ampere value.

Connecting Solar Panels Together Summary

Connecting solar panels together to form bigger arrays is not all that complicated. How many series or parallel strings of panels you make up per array depends on what amount of voltage and current you are aiming for. If you are designing a 12 volt battery charging system than parallel wiring is perfect. If you are looking at a higher voltage grid connected system, than you’re probably going to want to go with a series or series-parallel combination depending on the number of solar panels you have.

But for a simple reference in regards to how to connect solar panels together in either parallel or series wiring configurations, just remember that parallel wiring = more amperes, and series wiring = more voltage, and with the right type and combination of solar panels you can power just about any electrical device you may have in your home.

For more information about Connecting Solar Panels Together in either series or parallel combinations, or to obtain more information about the different types of solar panels available, or to explore the advantages and disadvantages of using solar power in your home, then Click Here to order your copy from Amazon today and learn more about designing, wiring and installing off-grid photovoltaic solar electric systems in your home.

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572 Comments already about “Connecting Solar Panels Together

  • Hi,
    Hope you are well,could you please advice why my 2pannels of 100watts each mounted to 2.5m cable to 2pcs charger controller of 20ah each then to 1pc inverter {800w}.
    1) It feeds an electric fence with an energizer {12v supply 9.9v to electric wire}
    2)About 6pc security bulbs 9w each
    3)About 5pcs bulbs in the house 9w each
    Now, if i leave the electric fence on during the day without using anything else,it will read 75% charge in the evening,once i switch on the both security and house bulbs,the charge last for a bout 2hrs then it go off competently,could it be a connection problem? I was told that 200watts solar panels can accommodate electric fence,about 20bulbs and also my TV when i was purchasing it 2 weeks ago but to my surprise!!!!

  • am using 12v solar tv but during day time when the battery is charging then rmthe battery get to 13.7v the the tv start to restart itself unless i remove the pv cable then battery drop to 12.6 before its works and the charge controller Voltage is not adjustable, what should i do

  • am using 155w panel with 2mm cable i want to add my extra 70w panel to it which will be 225w but i think the 2mm cant handle the 225w, so i have decided to connect the 70w panel cable straight to the controller, which means i will get 2cables coming into the controller 155w and 70w cables, please is it possible?

  • Hi, kindly advice me, is there a maximum amount of panels that should not be exceeded in an array?
    I have two 300w (44v, 9.5A) panels connected in parallel to a 24v-3000w inverter. Now, I have 4 more of same panels to be added to the array making a total number of 6 panels (6x300w=1800w)
    From my calculations, i should prepare for 75-80 amp cabling which my existing wiring can handle, however, can the 4mm connecting cables that come with the panels be able to bear the load?

  • i have monocrystalline 100 watts and poly 167 watts , isnt ok to parallel it and to use on grid 600 watts inverter?

  • Hello.. i have 4 150w pannels attached with pair of 250 amp batteries in series I want to ask that can i connect another pair of 150 watt panels to batteries separately in series setting what would be affect. Please xplan..

  • I Need some help
    I have 3×265 watt 24 volt panels and a total of 1100AH battery’s and a 3.5kva inverter and a MPPT charge controler Rated charge current: 40A
    Max.PV input power: 12V/520W,24V/1024W
    Battery voltage range: 9V~32V
    Max.PV open circuit voltage: 100VDC
    My problem is that I have it connected in parallel and the charge controller says that the charge is 5.7amp would it be better if I connect it in series and will the charge controller be fine?
    please can you help?

    • If each panel is already individual 24 volts then I would run them as parallel to get higher amperage. Running panels in series adds volts together but leaves amps constant, which 5.7 is probably what is default for one panel?

  • I have two 250w 30v panels connected in parallel to a 30a charge controller charging a 24v battery system. I have come by two more identical panels. I’m replacing my charge controller with a 60a model. Is it OK to just connect all four panels using a 4-way coupler, or should I use a combiner box?

  • i am presently collecting items to make my off grid cabin, So far i have 4(100) watt panels and am looking for a mttp charge controller as i have a pwt and its not working so well.I am also looking to purchase a wind turbine but not sure how much watts i need along with the solar panels.I have a 3000 watt inverter and i am looking for advice on the best way to set this up and if 6 volt golf cart batteries are better than 12 volt deep cycle batteries. I want to live totally off grid running some dc lights,a small chest freezer, a washer front load on times,and tv/lap top. Can you help with diagrams,info on series or parallel set up for a 12 volt system.What size of wires i need from panels and turbine, to charge controller.to bateries plus anything i may have missed.Thank you in advance for any advice ,suggestions and pictures/diagrams

  • Hello
    i need some information about my solar panels system.that i think , they are not giving me full power
    I buy last year
    4 solar panels of 150w,
    1×200 amp leaqued 12v battery ,
    1000w / 12v inventor ,
    12 or 24 volt 50amp solar charge controller

    now i want now how much thses panals produce power.

    i often check my charge contoler reading in peek time (1200 to 1400) , it show only 19amp maximum comin from the panals. my all 4 Solar Panels are in Parallel of Same Characteristics. please tell me whats the problem.

    a friend said me that a 150w solar panal produce 6.5 to 7amp. so by this , they want to produce 26 to 28 amp (4*7)but they are only giving me 19amp

    Please assist me in this situation

    • Why do you think that your panels should be supplying a full 150W all of the time. Your solar panels may be rated at 150W and can supply a maximum current of 12.5A (150W/12V) each but its the load they supply that dictates the current, not the panel. If your batteries are nearly always fully charged, then their charging current will be low. If you want more current to flow try increasing your connected load, or just accept you have bought a system bigger than you need.

  • I’ve a water pump 60V and 15amp DC max and 12V solar panels available with 7 amp of current. For proper operation how many panels have to be attached? How many in series and how many parallel?

      • But would the two strings of 5 panels per string at one string being 60volts/ 7 amps, for the both strings of the parallel panels, wouldn’t the amperes add up to only 14 amps dc. Of did I calculate it wrong?

  • I have 33/190w panels on the roof with a 5kw sunniboy inverter, when I check the readout of the inverter the difference in voltage produced by each string is nearly the same, say 380v yet the current produced will be Double from one string to the other, say 9amp on one string and 4.4amp on the other. I got on the roof and checked the wiring, the installer has 22 panels on 1 string and 11 panels on the other string the larger string produces the larger amps and around twice that of the smaller strin. My question is why would the inverter show nearly the same voltage produced by both strings yet one string has twice the panels, this is confusing me. The panels are in Series.

  • Hi I have 8 panels on 250 watt each with 34v and 8 ah And 4 batteries of 150ah 12v with c10 rating
    What would be the right way to connect the panels and batteries so that they would get charged easily.

    • Hi and I am new to solar panels and I just bought 3 panels for 140 watt each, rated:18.5volt, and 7.57amps and 1 panel for 50watt rated: 18volt and 2.78 amps and 200amps battery and 800 watt solar power inverter. which wire size should I used for the panel to the charge controller? How should i wired my panel in series or parallel so that battery would get charge easily and fast?

  • am using 70w panel 12 v40ah battery, am using 12v solar tv 26w 2.6A and 14w 1A satelite decoder, all loads is 40w 3.6A, if i on the tv and the decoder on during day time my battery find it difficult to charge and i can’t get full charge, so i have to off all load to get fully charge before i can watch the tv in the evening for about 5-6hrs, i want to know to get full charge with my loads on during day time should i go for other panel to be added to the 70w panel am using and if yes how many watts of panel should i go for it to be added to the 70w to charge the 40ah battery

    • The proper charging and discharging of deep cycle batteries is important to maximize battery performance as both under- or over-charging batteries can significantly reduce battery life. The greater the state of discharge, the more the battery becomes weakened so discharge (called Depth of Charge) should not be more than 50%. Thus: (40Ah x 12V)/40W = 12 hrs x 50% = 6hrs, which is what your seeing.

      Charging deep cycle lead-acid batteries requires a constant current and voltage via your charge controller which your 70w panel may not be able to provide. Just because your panel is rated at 70 watts does not mean it will constantly generate 70 watts of power, as the amount of solar irradiance, sun hours, efficiency, etc. will all affect the output power. You may need additional wattage for what you need.

      • am using Gel Battery, i want to additional 80w panel and 60ah battery, which will be 100ah battery 150w panel , hope will be ok for me.

  • hello sir how are you?i would like to ask that 2400 va solar inverter how many solar panel can be connected i mean how many watts 2400 watt panell can i connect with that .thank you .

  • Good day. I have 4 panels( 40 watts a panel and 2.2 amps each) wired parallel. I got a panel for Christmas which is 100 watts and 5.8 amps All panels are rated at 17.1 volts. I got 4 6volt batteries and a 20 amp charge controller. How should I hook up the 100 watt panel to my system ? If possible?
    Thanks
    Shawn

  • Hi, I need a little help on fixing my solar panels in Africa.
    I have twenty (20) of 100W solar panels.
    I also have ten (10) 12V 100Ah batteries
    I also have 2000W power inverter.
    And 12v/24v control board charger. I have more than 10 of the control board chargers.

    I have already done the connection but it seems it’s not able to power my freezer at home. All the professionals technicians are very very far from my home.

    Let me describe how I did my connections. I connected all the negative terminals on the solar panels together and the positive also together. So I have all eight (8) panels connecting to one control board and then all the eight (8) batteries to the control board charger also. And from the batteries to 2000W power in inverter. First I was able to use the freezer but not anymore. Any help on how to connect them properly. Do I need to use 3 control board chargers or just one is okay.

    Anyone with assistance who is willing to help me out can message me on.
    Thanks and God bless.

    • From your connection, the solar panels are connected in Parallel, this means that your wattage has not increased but your current has, from my experience doing solar, a 100 watts solar panel has about 4.7- 5.4 current. if i go by this number you have 100Watts, and about 4.7A * 20 = 94A. But for us to go further you have to provide me with some information.

      How many volts in your 2000w inverter 12V or 24V?
      What is the maximum Wattage input and Current(A) of your solar charge controllers?

  • Hello
    I hope you will assist me with more information about my solar panels system I buy 2x95w solar panels, 2x12v sealed batteries,1000w modified 24v input inventor , 12 or 24 volt 20amp solar charge controller now my challenge is how to connect this system so that it can work my challenge are we don’t have any power in the house

    Please assist me with this situation

    • no matter if you connect PV in parallel or serie , that’s if you thing in final power , main thing is if Charge controller supports voltage Sum of PV as input , if it support you can connect : PV in serie as charge controller input Charge controller output to batteries and in parallel , the load if it is in 24 V , if not this output should be connected to inverter input (24 V input ) and load to de output inverter. take in acount that you have only 1000 W so you have to be sure about what or how many devices you will connect to your system.. hope this help you to solve your problem !

  • Hello,
    I have 4 panels of 36V – 300W – 8.31A each. What kind of controler, inverter and batteries would I need to begin a system.

    • Main thing is what is the load (how many Watts) you want to connect to your system an how many hour it need to be working .This power will determinate your system , included if your PV are enought

    • If you have 300W, you can run a 1000 watts load using a 2000VA(24V) inverter, you will need 2 pcs of 200ah 12V Batteries, 24V 40/50A charge controller, with at least 1600W Max.PV Input (PWM or MPPT) your choice, and this system can power a 1000W load for around 9hrs if the batteries are fully charged. You will need to connect your panels in parallel. so you have 1200W for 33.24A. Here is the formular for calculating Battery bank or run time A= Load(W) * Hours / Voltage(system voltage which is 24 in this case) = AH (battery bank) thus: 1000*9/24 = 375AH approximetly 400AH, which is better as 200ah * 2.

    • Great, got it. I bought an 80A MPPT controller, a 24V 3000W pure sine inverter and 8 golf cart 6V 225ah batteries. Got one more question, My panels read, (Vmpp 36.09) and (Voc. 44.90) I suppose they are 24V right? If I want to buy 2 more, do they have to be exactly the same volt and watts?

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