When installing solar panels in series the voltage adds up but the current stays the same for all of the elements.
Advantages of connecting solar panels in series.
Should you connect a 3a solar panel to a 3 5a solar panel the all round current will probably be pulled down to 3a.
Solar panels are wired in series when you connect the positive terminal of one panel to the negative terminal of another.
By connecting multiple solar panels in series we increase the system voltage.
This kind of a lowering of current would of course cause a loss of power output and eventually loss in equipment efficiency.
Connecting your panels in series will increase the voltage level and keep the amperage the same.
Typically solar panels of specific or matching current needs to be connected with each other in series.
When solar panels are wired in series the voltage of the panels adds together but the amperage remains the same.
Comparing solar panels in series vs.
The reason why series connections are utilized with mppt controllers is that mppt controllers actually are able to accept a higher voltage input and still be able to charge your 12v or more batteries.
Now lets look at connecting solar panels in.
This allows to obtain the advantages of the series.
Connecting solar panels in series.
In the below solar series wiring diagram i shown 4 solar panels which is 12 volts and 8 amperes when we connect these panel in series with one another the complete output of our panel come 48 volts and 8 amperes.
In a solar power system the higher the voltage and the lower the energy losses along the cables to know the maximum system voltage we usually just need to turn the panel and read the label where the value is reported.
There are some major benefits to connecting solar panels in series.
After these clarifications let s see how the series connection takes place.
The capacity of a solar panel to produce energy is measured in watts which is calculated by multiplying a solar panel s voltage by the amps of current it produces when a solar installer builds a solar energy system they need to find the right balance of voltage and amps to ensure that the system performs well.
The 140w panel actually drags the 3 other 160w panel s wattage down to 140w as well meaning we effectively have 4 x 140w solar panels.
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.
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.