Connecting Solar Panels Together
How to Connect Solar Panels Together
Connecting 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
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
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
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
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
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.
Hi. I have Revo 2 on grid inverter 5500w , Max PV array 5000w, PV array Voc 500VDC, MPPT 120-450VDC. 10 solar panels 540 w , Isc14A, Voc at STC ~50v. Can i connect my solar panels 5 in series ( 250V) and 2 paralel strings (28A) to have the maximum power.
Thanks in advance.
The maximum power (Pmp) your array can supply in any configuration is: 10 x 540W = 5400W or 5.4kW at “full sun”. Also maximum power is supplied when the load resistance is equal to Vmp/Imp (ohms). We would assume your inverter loads the PV array at its maximum power point. Then maximum PV power is not about configuration, its more about location, irradiance, and efficiency. Especially irradiance, as maximum power increases with increasing irradiance. So for example, if your array is exposed to an irradiance level of say 600 W/m2, it would only produce 3240 watts no matter how its configured.
What size of kva can I use to run 4bedroom dulex with one inverter A/c. Thank you
What is your load, consumption, single or three-phase, solar input, inverter only or inverter/charger, batteries or no batteries, etc, etc. a very vague unthought about question.
Hi guys kindly help me on how to connect a 3 solar panels of 325watts,190,and 190 to run a water pump of 1500 watts ??kindly tell me whether its in series or pallarel
Thank you for this very vague and open ended question. Without having more data, we assume your best option would be the two 190’s in parallel, and in series with the 325, and no, it will not be sufficient to pump water.
I have a Growatt 12000T DVM-us MPV. I have 24 mounted with 2 in storage, 330 watt, 9.76A Trina panels. How would you wire this? Is it better to have your amps? over 60 or 80? Maximum PV Charge Current 120A, Max array power 7000W,Max VDC 245DC. I have 48 volt battery.
As explained many times to various comments. It is better to have higher voltages and lower currents. High currents means LARGE CABLES = MORE MONEY. For your quoted 60 to 80 Amperes of current, you would need at least 2 to 3-guage (35 mm2) cables or larger in diameter if long cable runs. It is much better, and cheaper, to configure for a higher voltage within the Voc input range of your inverter.
A typical 330W 24V 72 cell panel, Voc at STC is generally around the 33 volt range (check your panel datasheet), then for your quoted inverter operating input of 245 volts, that’s 7 in series (231V), resulting in 3 strings (21 in total). P = 6930 watts at full sun.
Using your quoted values of 330W, 9.76A, VDC 245V and Pmax 7kW:
21 panels configured as: 7 panels in series (231VDC), and 3 parallel branches (7s3p) should produce at “full sun” an operating voltage of 231VDC, 29 Amperes, generating 6.9kW. Thus P and V are within inverter limits, and a current of around 30 Amps (rounded off) only requires much smaller 10-guage (6mm2) cable.
Hi
Thanks for the article it has for me really thinking about my system. Which now I have a lot of questions about. I am running a 24v system with 3000watt 24vdc inverter. My battery 2 banks are 8 6v gel batteries 4 and 4 series which the two banks are paralleled. I have 4 425w panels or 1700 watts. I have 2 and 2 series and paralleled together. I have an outback 80amp charge controller that can handle up to 1920 watts. I have very little sun maybe 3-5 hours a day at best sometimes and other times I’m over cast being in nfld Canada. My question is should I add more panels and how many. I was thinking two more to each series that is paralleled together or is there a better set up? I’m trying to maximize my daily charge as well as extend the life of my batteries, any suggestions would be helpful
Thanks
Adding additional pv panels to a system is always a good idea providing they are of the same type and electrical characteristics. Whether to connect in series or parallel will depend on the maximum input chracteristics of your charge controller, as series will increase voltage, while parallel will increase current. Plus being in Canada where temperatures can drop into the minus degrees during winter, you also need to consider the extra increase in panel voltage due to cold conditions (temperature coefficient) ontop of the rated VOC voltage (for a 425W panel, around 50V) at -10, or -20 degrees to ensure it does not go over the controllers maximum input voltage range.
So can I have one series of 3 panels( 150 volts) connected to another series of 3 panels in parallel? Would this give me 150 volts plus increase my amperage?
As explained, series will increase voltage, parallel will increase current. You need to consult your controllers DC input specification
ok.i have 8 – 240 watt panels wired in parallel to two 100 amp charge controllers to 8-100 amp,agm batteries to 5000 watt inverter,and Q is will this run a small house OR should i go to panels in series.? the panels are 20 ft. from controller, battery and inverter ..Thanks.
8 x 240 watt panels is 1920 watts (1.92kW) peak power at full sun. It should be enough to run a small house. You have installed your pv system in its current configuration for a reason, why now change it.
Pls I need your support. My 350x2pc and I was surprise to get just 6amps using Pam controler. Pls what could be wrong. Even
Why do you believe 6 amperes is incorrect
How can i connect 2 “12V solar panels and 2 “12V batteries?
Two solar panels connected in series
100W±3% Maximum Power(Pmax)
18.00V Maximum Power Voltage(Vmp)
5.56A Maximum Power Current (Imp)
22.50V Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc)
5.81A Short-Circuit Current (Isc)
I want to connect 2 bypass diodes if possible, could you please tell me about the size of each one?
Clearly two 6 Ampere or greater Schottky Diodes are required. Check your panel does not have diodes already fitted.
good day sir, please I have six numbers 360w mono panels,150dv mppt controller and 24v inverter. I didn’t know how to connect it
Then why have you bought what you have bought if you do not know how to connect it
Thanks for the great tutorial. I want to connect a roof mounted solar panel and a solar blanket when camping. I know that the roof panel (130w) has bypass diodes but there is no mention of blocking diodes in the specs.
The solar blanket is 120w and no mention in the spec of any diodes. I want to connect both through a MPPT charger. Do I need a blocking diode for each panel and if so can I connect the diode at the charger ‘end of the wire’ rather than at the solar panel?
Thanks
Blocking Diodes allow power to flow in one direction only towards the battery, and prevents it (or them) from discharging back into the connected panel(s). The use of a blocking diode depends much on a pv array’s configuration. If you intend connecting your panel and blanket together in series, then clearly one is not needed. However, for a parallel configuration it would be wise to use them, especially as your panels are of different power ratings, and therefore different voltage and current ratings. Your MPPT charger should regulate the different panels. Blocking Diodes are connected in series so therefore can be connected at the panel end, or charger end.
Thank you for your reply and information. Now to find the best Schottky diodes for the my setup.
Many thanks for your time & advice
How would u hook up 8 panels at 40watts each on 12v system
Very good vague question, what’s your battery bank rating, what’s your system rating, what’s your maximum controller rating, off-grid or grid connected. When you know the answers to these questions, then you have answered your own question.
When panels are connected in parrel , what kind of invater is suitable ,is either 12 or 24?
That depends on number and wattages of panels and the inverter you have. Higher voltage means lower current, for a given wattage, which means smaller cable diameters.
I 200 wats solar panel (1) and need to connect it
Hi, I am looking to maximise my simple camper van solar set up. At the moment this is 2 x 100w panels, basic charge controller and single 12v 100a battery. Already thinking that a MMPT controller is preferable? Am I right in thinking that in low light the output voltage could drop below that of the battery and charging will stop… so wiring the panels in series will be best to keep the voltage up and so keep them charging for longer? Thanks
Photovoltaic solar panels require sunlight (irradiance) to generate power. The 100 watts power rating of your PV panels is the maximum power they “could” produce at an irradiance level of 1000W/m2 (full sun) and at an operating temperature of 25oC. Since these ideal conditions are not always typical for real PV panels, their actual performance is usually about 85 to 90 percent of this on a good day. You are correct that as light level decreases from this ideal value (cloudy day, early morning, late night) the output power reduces significantly as lower irradiance means a lower charging current.
For a simple stand-alone battery charging system consisting of a charge controller and a battery, the panels will deliver power at a voltage close to the battery voltage. Charge controllers regulate the flow of current into and out of the connected batteries as well as providing protection against battery overcharging and deep discharging, etc. They also include low voltage disconnection if the solar voltage falls below some value, usually about 11 V preventing reverse currents at night.
Connecting your panels in series would indeed increase the voltage to 24 volts (2 x 12V) providing your controller accepts this DC input value plus about 25% extra for VOC conditions. 12 volt batteries need about 14.4 volts for charging at a constant current. An MPPT controller is clearly better than a standard charge controller as it will operate the PV panels close to their maximum power point (MPP), rather than at a voltage determined by the batteries, thus extracting considerably more solar power and improving efficiency but they are more expensive.
Many thanks, exactly what I needed to know. Many Thanks
best charging current is always find your C10 rating of your battery and multiply it by 10%. what ever is the the 10% value, that will be the required amount of Isc that needs to be produced by your PV panel. for your 310w panel your Voc will be about 44.6V and Isc of 9.02amps, i would say connect it in parallel. all 3 panels.
hi there, ive been having this question for quite a while now. its in regards to connecting solar panel in series. i fully understand the rule of connecting t what i dont understand or i am still confused about is why? we have a controller that will regulate the voltage and make sure that the battery is charged with the recommend battery charging voltage. so what are we doing when we are wiring our strings in series???? is it just to carter for the voltage drop and to ensure that the output charging current is successfully delivered to the battery??? or is there another rule to determine how many panels we have to connect in serries????
Panels in series means a higher string voltage and lower current for a given wattage, which means smaller cable sizing and less voltage drop.
Hi guys thanks but I connected 4 200watts panels with a highbrid inverter, connected them I parallel with 3 150A batteries yet I have no maximum power what could be be problem
As I keep answering the same question: insolation, temperature, efficiency, cabling, orientation, positioning, etc. A panels wattage is the manufactures standard test conditions (STC) rating and NOT a “real world” rating
I have 3 solar panels @310 watts each and 3kv mppt inverter plus 2 200ah batteries. …how do I conet the panels? Series or parallel?
How do I connect 2x300watts solar panels, 2x12v batteries, 24volts rated inverter and a 40amp rated charge controller
You have answered your own question
Hi there gentlemen, many thanks for a great simplified article.
My proposed (off-grid) solar array of 8 panels to be wired in parallel, will need (I’m told) to have either a blocking diode or by-pass diode for each panel. I have a MPP 40 Amp charge controller that can handle the voltage of the panels in parallel, but not in series.
The panels specs are:
Nominal Power 72.5 watts each
Voltage at PMAX 66.6 V
Current at MPP 1.09A
Open Circuit Voltage 88.7V
Short Circuit Current 1.23A
Yes, this is only a small 560W set-up to charge 3 x 12V deep cycle AGM batteries.
Question: Some say I will need both diodes in each panel owing to fluctuating tree shadows. Where is the best placement for the diodes (either or both) and also, will I need fuses as well?
Note: the panels have no diodes included.
Any advice will be much appreciated.
Cheers and thanks, Jeff.
Blocking Diodes are used in parallel strings to prevent a reverse current from flowing back through a string at night time from a connected battery, or if one panel has a lower voltage output than the others. Bypass Diodes are used in series connected panels and are fitted across (in parallel) with each panel to prevent hot spot conditions due to reverse biasing of the panel if it becomes damaged, or shaded. Multiple bypass diodes are usually fitted as standard across a number of cells during manufacturing of the panel.
For your installation as there are no series connections bypass diodes are not required, and if your parallel connected panels are controlled by a charge controller then blocking diodes are not necessary. You can find more information here about Diodes
Thank you for your input.
Saves worrying about how many diodes to buy.
Regards, Jeff.
I am looking for small panels that can be embended on roofing tiles
Solar roof tiles, also known as solar shingles, are readily available. Please do a search in Google for your local supplier.
Hi I am overwhelmed to find my self here pls I have two 12v ,200ah batteries connected in series and also have 8 110w PV panels connected in parallel drawing 48.8amp current with my 60A charge controller in place do I need to increase system voltage from the panels arrangement by making series arrangement to the combination or I should just leave it like that with out increasing voltage level from the panel since the battery bank is now 24volt for it’s connected in series?
Why change the configuration if your system works, then leave it as is.
I need a help. How can I connect 18 or 20 solar panels with 2 inverters
Please read our tutorial about the Solar Power Inverter
Hi.
My inverter is 5kw
PV voltage range =125 to 425volts
Watts=6500 watt
Dual MPPT = 11 amps each
Battery input = 48 volts
Solar panel = 14 × 400 watt
Please suggest best solar panels connection.
Thank you
“PV voltage range =125 to 425volts”, that is your “best solar panels connection.”
Hello, thank you for your article.
I am looking to wire a very small scale solar system- 50 panels at 33 watts total, i have a 12 volt 9 amp AGM battery using a 10 amp charge controller. What voltage should I configure my solar panel output to be in order to be a high enough voltage for the charge controller to charge the battery? The instruction manual only says to use <50 volts
Also, what is the minimum amount of power needed in order for my system to charge the battery? Thanks!
Again, the maximum solar panel (array) output will depend on the input specifications of your charge controller. The voltage required to charge a 12 volts lead-acid battery at 25 oC is around 14.40 volts.
I have 150Ah battery and four 80w panels, how should I arrange the panels, in parallel or in series, which one will work better? Thank you.
If your storage battery is 12 Volts and your panels are 12 Volts each, then you can only connect your four 80W panels to your charge controller in parallel
Very good of products I need your full information for connection so that your products will sell thanks
Hello, i am looking forward your support related to what best combination used for installation to get maximum output. I currently have 09 solar panels of specifications Pmax-330W, Maximum Power (Current) – 8.74A, Maximum Power (Voltage) 37.8V.
Inverter Details;
Rates Power 5000VA / 5000W
DC Input: 48VDC, 118A
AC Output: 230VAC, 22A
Batteries: Qty 04 (12V each)
If the DC input of your inverter is 48 volts and a panels Vmp is 37.8 volts (about 42 to 46 Voc), then you can only connect your nine 330W panels together in parallel. Imp current at full sun would be 9*8.74 = 78 Amperes, so is within your 118A limit.
i bought 8 solar panesl of
pmax=60 watt
voc=91.8v
isc=1.19A
vpm=67v
ipm=0.9A
inverter of=3000watt
3 battey of=12V200Ah
how should i connect my panels so that i can power small home appliance such as tv, laptop etc
Please share the inverter type also. I will suggest that connect all the panel in series, and follow the series diagram as mentioned., Add one More battery and make it 24 volts 2 bank. (i.e connect the 2 batteries in series separately and then connect them in parallel to increase your battery backup).
Hi
I have a 5kw inverter, 3,5kw lithium battery, and 6 x 330w solar panels, each panels Voc of 46,4 Volts, the maximum Vdc of the inverter is 145, how do I connect the panels?
Regerds
Six panels can be connected together as either: 0 Series 6 Parallel, 6S0P, 2S3P, or 3S2P, therefore 3S2P seems the obvious option.
Hi
I have following items can you please explain how to give a connection
Solar panels
150v*3 nos
85v*6nos
150ah battery
1kva inverter
I have 40W and 50W solar panel and 2 X 12V battery. Which connections are better in this case?
Clearly the connection depends on whether you want a 12 volt or 24 volt system
Hi there…i have 4 X 100 Watt Solar Panels and an Epever 30 amp charge controller do you think that’s ok as the Epever says 390 Watt Max input on 12 volts…could I use this setup do you think?…the battery would be 12 volt 130ah…many thanks if you can answer this…Brian
Your four solar panels in parallel will work with your controller. The panels will only produce 100 watts at full sun and low temperature conditions otherwise it will be a lot less.
Hello, i have a 3kva inverter with system voltage of 24v, Rated current 50A, Maximum Solar Voltage 70VDC, Maximum Charge current 80A. On the roof i have 3 x 335 watts (VoC 47.2 and lsc 9.18A) and 2 x 250 watts Poly (VoC 36v and lsc 9.33A). What is the best way of connecting the panels without blowing up my inverter.
Please ask this question to your installer, you purchased the components and he configured the system for a reason, so asking now if its correctly connected is very odd
I have 12no of 12v solar panels each of 150w for a 48v inverter system. Which array of solar combination is better 6s2p or 4s3p? Thanks for your response.
If its a 48 volt system, then 4S3P
if you have no done the installation yet please let me know I can help in that area
TO GAIN MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY HOW WOULD I CONNECT 8 SOLAR PANELS OF SAME TYPE AND RATING ( 330 WATTS EACH) TO A 5KVa INVERTER WITH ONE 48 VOLT LITHIUM BATTERY?
Connecting photovoltaic panels together in various combinations of voltages and currents, will not give you a better or worse efficiency. Climatic variables such as the weather, changing sun angles, length of solar day, air quality, air temperature, and of course the amount of daily sun available (W/m2) to generate power falling on your solar array from day to day or from season to season. From an electrical point of view, connecting pv panels together to produce higher voltages and lower currents is preferred, as cabling becomes cheaper.
Thanks for your help Admin
I will connect the panels in series to get a higher voltage. I live in Zimbabwe, Africa, so the climatic conditions lend themselves to solar usage.
Cheers!
how about charging a 100Ah battery with two solar panels each of 80w?
Yes, do it
Hello Olusegun
Thanks for your interest and I would appreciate any advice I can get. Yes the installation is complete and works fine on sunny days. It’s only when we have the the odd cloudy day that performance suffers quite badly and we have to manage the system very carefully in order to get through the night. We have no mains power whatsoever as our transformer was stolen and the power utility here has no capacity to replace it. So we are entirely off the grid and totally reliant on solar. That’s why I’m looking for any advice possible to improve efficiency. Note I am not a qualified solar technician or electrician and rely on my installer.
Regards
Peter Wienand
24 April 20
Ok. Thanks for the detailed info. Can you please tell me if I am on the right track? I have 2 panels. Both 12v. One is 110 watts and one is 160 watts. If I join them in parallel, will I gain power but only at 110 watts? Any extra amps will be welcome even if the wattage is not boosted evenly. It’s coming into winter here in New Zealand so any help charging batteries would be good. Cheers.
If you connect pv panels together in parallel of the SAME voltage rating, in your case 12 volts, then the output voltage will be the same, 12V, and the currents generated from the two panels will add together giving 22 amperes (9A+13A). Then at Full Sun your two parallel connected panels would produce an output equivalent of 110W + 160W = 270 watts at 12 volts.
I have also installed the 3kW Solar Panel System on my home’s top roof before 4 yrs, Now I want to know that can I connect the solar panel. I have already asked in my current company but I want know from outside also.
any chance someone could help me with a 5s2p wiring diagram? Having a hard time figuring this out.
Theres nothing to figure out. Connect 5 panels together in series, another 5 panels in series, then connect the two strings to each other in parallel to give your 5S2P configuration.
Like this?
Yes that would work. Array voltage will be 5*Vmp and array current will be 2*Imp
Iam having a 24 volt hybrid inverter inbuilt charger with 48volts maximum solar panal connected with five 24 volts 150 watts solar panel, how do I go about instillation, guide me up tnx
Please help how to connect 12 panels to inverter with only one charge controller?
Hello, I am a single mom living in an RV. Ive been using generators and rechargable devices to consume power for too long. I have some solar panels I’ve been holding on too (researching best off grid setup) along with 3 vp controllers (and one pending i ordered) and a 2000 watt inverter. I also have 2 6v 251amh I plan to connect in series to make 12v. Can u please help me figure out how to hook up a 12v system using the different size solar panels I already have for maximum performance. Here are the ratings:
1.) Qty.1:
Wp 280w
Vm 36.6v
Im 7.72A
Voc 44.3V
Isc 8.36A
2.) Qty: 3
Pmax 105W
Vpm 17.3V/34.6V
Imp 6.1A/3.05A
Isc 6.3A/3.15A
Voc 21.6V/43.2V
Pmin 100.1W
I will also be purchasing a 365w panel soon
Vpm 39.7V
Ipm 9.20A
Voc 48.2V
Isc 9.57A
That’s it. Any advice will be greatly appreciated it.
Hi Brianna I love your comments kindly send your number to me on WhatsApp let me explain to you better
You can add me on this number +2349031196430
Have you got system installed or figured out yet? If not I can help you out I to fulltime rv and live 100% off solar so if you still need help let me know
10/260w solar panel and 4/12v gel batteries with 60amps mppt controller and 3kva inverter. How best the connection to maximise the output. Thanks.
If your 260W panels are rated at 24 volts for battery charging, then your batteries are connected as 48 volt (4 series), and your panels are configured as 2S5P, (2 series 5 parallel)
Hi Admin
Let me be the first to wish you a Happy New Year
All the very best
Good morning Admin ( you are amazing at answering all the guys here) Thank you first of all for that
I have 8x 335w panels. I have added Inverter specs below . My problem comes to the MPPT input 115vdc
I ran 2x 6mm strings and can either series them or parallel them at the inverter
HOW do I get my Solar to give me close to 115v . I get 82volts at present BUT when it goes to 84v MPPT switches off and refuses to accept more power. (Is this the case with all MPPT??)
What config can I use to get Optimum voltage and wattage out of my system ? Can be a mixture of series and parallel. That is now 2 Questions .. I have used a 3,5KW Lithium 48 volt battery
Thanking you in Advance
Domingos
VOLTEX 5KVA
Inverter Mode:
Rated power: 5000VA/5000W
DC Input: 48VDC, 117A
AC Output: 230VAC, 50/60Hz, 22A
AC Charger Mode:
AC Input:230VAC, 50/60Hz, 35A
DC Output: 54VDC
Max. 60A, Default 30A
AC Output: 230VAC, 50/60Hz, 22A
Solar Charger Mode:
Rated Current: 80A
System Voltage: 48VDC
Min. Solar Voltage: 40VDC
Max. Solar Voltage (VOC): 115VDC
115 VDC is not a common voltage compared to 125 or 145VDC. With eight 335W, 72 cell panels, four in series would give about 144VDC and three is series about 108VDC which is nearer to your 115V. Increasing from 82V to 84V maybe a small increase of only 2 volts, but the current could be increasing exponentially above the VxI power limits of the MPPT, which could be why it shuts down (or its faulty). With eight panels, the only configuration is 4 in series with 2 parallel strings, or 2 in series with 4 parallel strings.
Thanks for the reply .
May I ask you another question pls.. Say my array is only giving 84 volts.. When intensity of light increases it can go to 87 even 91 (I have been monitoring) .. IF the MPPT can go to 115v WHY does it stop charging and switches off , until it comes back down to 84 ?? Is it a safeguard or could the MPPT be faulty ??
All the very best
Why does the voltage have to go to 115V when 84 volts is sufficient, How much current is it taking?, consult the user manual about maximum ratings
I know I am being an idiot and probably a nuisance But..
Could I not just do 2x series + 2x series and Parallel them to Inverter = 84 volts 1340 watts
Anlso 2 Parallel + 2 Parallel and series them to the Inverter = 84 volts 1340 watts
So both arrays are equal to 84 volts
I am worried about the 4 in series, as that would go to 148volts
Appreciate all … Thanks
Very helpful tutorial! Thanks! 🙂
help…living in ca with power outages and fires sucks..i just got 5 315 watts 36vdc 3 255 watt 24vdc panels ..before i order things what would give me the best bang for my little bucks .i need to do this right the first time so please help…yes i will add more panels in time but need solar power cause this gas gen is killing me to run 24-7…thanks…
Why have you just gone off a bought the panels you have bought, was there no plan or thought about your requirements and system beforehand. We do not have a magic ball to see what you need, consult your local solar shop or technician.
Possible connection as:
1st string: 3 x 24V = 72 volts
2nd string: 2 x 36V = 72 volts
3rd string: 2 x 36V = 72 volts
Then 3 strings will give MPP voltage (Vmp) of 72 volts for your controller. The 5th 36V panel use for something else.
MPP current（lmp）approx 8.0 + 9.0 + 9.0 = 25 Amps for your controller. This gives about 1.8kW at full sun!!
What are requirements for this kind of system
Below is the outline of the power requirements if you can please send me through a system design and explain how you would string up the panels and why and why you would recommend the system design you put together. so the charge controller will be a 250/100 which means it can handle 250V and 100A charge current. Max PV Short Circuit current – 70A (max 30A per MC4 connection). Please also state what size battery you will use and size cables for PV to charge controller and any protections, breakers that you will add to the system for protection. Battery to be lithium ion and sized in kWh.
Power consumption details:
Average load – 1500w
Max load – 5000w (pump & kettle being used)
Backup power required in daytime is 10 hours on battery
Panels to handle load and recharge the battery during day time
IBR roofing type.
I look forward to receiving your system design,
Err, no.
Hello admin.
I’ve 12 volt battery of 4 to make 48volt. I’ve 250 watt of 8 solar panels. Please how do I connect my 8 solar panels of 250 watt to charge my 48volts battery. Do reply me
You connect your solar panels to produce 48 volts
Good evening Admin. Please I’d like to ask: what if he’s using mppt controller of say 145vdc input on solar. Can’t he connect 4×2 (ie, 4S2P)
He states the maximum open circuit input voltage (Voc) of the inverter is 115 Vdc.
How do I connect 2 x 300w solar panel with an open circuit voltage of 44.2
Either in series or parallel to whatever system you have. This is a very vague question.
Sir , please I need serious help in this his can I know the system voltage of a PV system when am having a 438panels connected in both series and parallel. The ratings of the panels are 415Wp, 61volt.
Wow, 182MW of solar (438*415Wp) and you need to ask this question. The array voltage will be decided by your series string, while the array current will be decided by your parallel branches.
Quick question. I am looking at going somewhat small. Tv, satellite, some LED lights, a laptop, a fan, phone chargers etc. I am looking at drawing about 1000w per day at the most. Just looking for an opinion on what I am looking for in a set up. Please let me know if I am close or if it will work please. I have 2 6v 230AH batteries(from golf cart) hooked in series to make 12v 230AH. 2 200watt solar panels. A 3000 watt inverter and 30A MPPT charge controller. I have been crunching numbers and trying to stay on a budget but also want to make sure the set up is sustainable. Any opinions greatly accepted. Thank you.
Could use some help ,I have 3 260watt panels going into 45amp controller to 4 deep cycle 12 volt batteries. Set up as 24 volt system . 3000 watt inverter constantly having to charge batteries via generator/charger have good sun , only have 2 led lights a 1.5 amp fan . Controller charge indicator lights go from green to yellow in less than 2hrs Other system is 6 panels and 6 batteries 2 controllers and I use 40 inch TV vacume and led lights this will last all day with a couple hrs of TV time Same panels controllers batteries anybody any thoughts what to check
sir, i have 255 watt solar panel having Vmp=166.6v Voc=143v
i have brought one MPPT charger which is set at 110v.NOW, The my solar panel through out the day does not give the voltage higher than 110v. so, will my MPPT will work below 110v. if yes than will it work at reduced volatge
A 255 watt panel will not give 110v output, more like 30 to 36 volts DC. Open Circuit Voltage, Voc is always higher than Vmp (voltage at rated power), you are quoting the reverse which is incorrect. Please check your panels datasheet to understand what you have bought.