Series Vs Parallel Solar Panels

For example you can wire two sets of four 100 watt solar panels in series then wire those two sets in parallel to create an 800 watt array.

Series vs parallel solar panels.

So let s start with the series wiring of a solar panel system as it is less complicated than the parallel wiring. When wiring solar panels in parallel the amperage current is additive but the voltage remains the same. Solar cells can also be arranged in parallel where each solar panel is connected to every other panel in the circuit. Since the two 5a 40v series strings are then wired in parallel we add the amps while not changing the volts because parallel wired solar panels or series strings get their amps added while their volts remain the same.

The higher voltage helps with the voltage drop caused by the large distance and allows the amperage to reach the controller efficiently. Every time you group panels together in series whether is 2 4 10 100 etc. Unlike connecting in series connecting in parallel allows the voltage to stay the same but the current adds up. This is called a string.

When doing a series parallel connection you are essentially paralleling 2 or more equal strings together. If you had 4 solar panels in parallel and each was rated at 12 volts and 5 amps the entire array would be 12 volts and 20 amps. A series parallel connection is accomplished by using both a series and a parallel connection. In fact it s the exact opposite of connecting in series.

Meanwhile a parallel wired system will have multiple wires to connect it into the grid. Series circuits have only one path for current to travel along. Wiring solar panels in series 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. If you answered yes to this question we would recommend connecting your panels in parallel.

Here are the fundamental differences between wiring solar panels in series vs. In parallel we can use 10 gauge wire from the solar panelsto the combiner box but only if the longest wire length is shorter than 24 feet. Series vs parallel wiring of solar panels similar to batteries solar panels also come with a positive and negative terminal. Please see diagram below.

For series at the 57 volts and 9 amps we can use 10 gauge wire for anything under 70 feet from the panels to the charge controller. A series wired circuit will use a single wire to connect. Another consideration between series wired and parallel wired is the amount of wires that are used to connect the solar system into the grid.