If you are a homeowner who is learning about solar energy options, you might get confused with all the technical terms. You might have come across several ways that solar panels can be wired. And, the first question that strikes in your mind might be – does this really matter? After all, you are willing to produce electricity with solar panels.
Well, how solar panels are wired really matter. It can impact the performance of your system along with the inverter you will use. You want your solar panels wired so that they can provide the best savings along with a better return on investment.
How to Wire Panels in Series?
Just like batteries, solar panels come with two terminals – one positive and one negative.
When it comes to connecting the positive terminal of one panel to the negative terminal of another panel, you create a series connection. When you connect more solar panels in the same manner, it becomes a PV or photovoltaic source circuit.
When these panels are wired in series, the voltage adds together, but the amperage remains the same. If you connect two panels with a rated voltage of 40 volts as well as rated amperage of 5 amps in series, the voltage can be 80 volts, and amperage can be 5 amps. By putting panels in series, the voltage of the array can be increased. It is important because a solar power system can be operated at a certain voltage for the inverter to work properly.
How to Wire Panels in Parallel?
When panels are wired in parallel, the positive terminal from one panel is connected to the positive terminal of another panel, and the negative terminals of the two panels are connected together.
In general, the positive wires are connected to a positive connector within a combiner box. Similarly, the negative wires are connected to the negative connector. When a number of panels are wired in parallel, it is known as PV or photovoltaic output circuit.
Solar wiring in parallel can cause the amperage to increase, but the voltage remains the same. If you wire the same panels from before in parallel, the voltage will remain at 40 volts, but the amperage could be increased to 10 amps. Parallel wiring allows you to have more panels that can produce energy without exceeding the operating voltage limits of your inverter.