Connecting two solar panels together is a simple and effective way to increase solar power generation capacity. There are three ways to connect solar panels together, but the way depends on the purpose.
Solar photovoltaic panels can be connected in series to improve the voltage (V) output, or connected in parallel to improve the output current (a). Solar panels can also be connected together in series and parallel to increase the output voltage and current and produce a higher power array.
Whether you connect two or more solar panels, as long as you understand the basic principle of how to increase power (power generation) by connecting multiple solar panels together, and how each of these methods works, you can easily decide how to connect multiple solar panels together. After all, connecting solar panels correctly can greatly improve the efficiency of your solar system.
First of all, if the solar panels with the same voltage, current and power are connected in series and parallel, there is no problem. But what will happen if you operate with different voltages or currents.
Solar panels of different voltages are connected in series
For example: the first solar panel is 5v/3a, the second is 7v/3a, and the third is 9v/3a When they are connected in series, the array generates a voltage of 21V or 63w at 3a. Similarly, the output current will remain the same 3A as before, but the voltage output jumps to 21V (5 + 7 + 9).
Solar panels with different current and voltage are connected in series
For example, the first solar panel is 3v/1a, the second is 7v/3a, and the third is 9v/5a When they are connected in series, the voltage of each solar panel will be added together as before, but this time the current will be limited to the value of the lowest panel in series, which is 1a in this case. Then, the array will generate 19v (3+7+9) at 1a, or only 19W in the possible 69w, reducing the efficiency of the array. Connecting solar panels with different rated currents in series can only be used temporarily, because the solar panel with the lowest rated current determines the current output of the whole array.
Parallel connection of solar panels with different current and voltage
For example, the first solar panel is 3v/1a, the second is 7v/3a, and the third is 9v/5a Here, the current added up in parallel is the same as before, but the voltage is adjusted to the lowest value, which is 3V in this case. Solar panels must have the same output voltage to function in parallel. If the voltage of a battery panel is high, it will provide load current to reduce its output voltage to the voltage of the low-voltage battery panel.
The above only explains some changes in power, voltage and current. In fact, there will be some problems in power safety. Please test in a safe environment. If you want to know more about solar panels, please contact us .