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.
Connecting 4 solar panels in series.
This is usually the case with 24v systems.
Firstly lets take a look at connecting solar panels in series.
Solar panels are usually connected in series to obtain higher output voltage.
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.
There are 3 ways to connect solar panels.
Parallel series and a combination of parallel and series.
Having said that when panels are attached in series one of the panel may carry a rated power below the other panel because of the lower current spec of this solar panel with respect to the other modules in the chain that unit could tend to.
When your panels are connected in series the operational voltage of the panels is added together.
When solar panels are wired in series the voltage of the panels adds together but the amperage remains the same.
Connecting solar panels in series.
For this example i am showing you connecting panels that are for a 12 volt system.
By connecting multiple solar panels in series we increase the system voltage.
The connecting solar panels in series is very easy just like connecting battery cell with one anther however lets get a review on this.
After these clarifications let s see how the series connection takes place.
The first way i am going to talk about is parallel because this is probably the most common way that panels will be connected.
Solar panels are wired in series when you connect the positive terminal of one panel to the negative terminal of another.
When installing solar panels in series the voltage adds up but the current stays the same for all of the elements.
If you are connecting two 100 watt panels in series and each panel has an output of 18 9 volts you will end up with 200w 37 8 volts and 5 29 amps under optimum conditions.
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.
When you connect two or more solar panels like this it becomes a pv source circuit.
When you wire in series there is just a single wire leading from the roof for each string of solar panels.
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.
Wiring solar panels in series.