Guide to Solar Panel Wiring

When it comes to installing a solar panel at home or office, not a lot of people think much about solar panel wiring. This wiring can be an important step in solar panel connection to ensure you get the maximum power and output from your solar panel wiring connection.

Knowing how to wire solar panels is vital in understanding how the overall voltage, current, and power will be impacted by the solar system wiring. If you are thinking about whether the wiring of a solar panel with inverter and battery price in india really matters, consider that even one shaded cell in the solar panel can reduce its electricity generation capacity by 75%. Proper wiring arrangements can prevent that from happening.

Basic Concepts of Solar Panel Wiring

For a functional solar PV system, just installing the panels is not enough. The panels need to be connected together for the current to flow as well as with an inverter to convert DC power into AC power. Solar panel cables are used for this connection, which is typically called ‘stringing’ in the solar industry.

There are two ways of connecting solar panels, either in series or in parallel. Let’s have a look at both these wiring systems.

Wiring Solar Panels in Series

Solar panels have a positive and a negative terminal, just like normal batteries. For a series connection, the positive terminal of one solar panel is connected to the negative terminal of another panel. This kind of connection is also known as the PV source circuit.

In a series connection, the solar panel voltage gets added while the total amperage remains the same. This means that if you connect two solar panels with a voltage rating of 50 volts each and an amperage of 5 amps in series, the resultant connection will have a voltage rating of 100 volts while the amperage will remain 5 amps only.

Best Solar inverter have a start voltage after which they start operating. Connecting solar panels in series increases the overall voltage of the array so that the inverter works properly.

Wiring Solar Panels in Parallel

In a parallel connection, the positive terminals of one panel are connected with the positive terminal of another panel and the same happens with the negative terminal. This kind of connection is also known as a PV output circuit.

There is a combiner box below the panels where the positive terminals are connected to a positive connector while the negative terminals are connected to a negative connector. In a parallel connection, the total remains the same but the amperage increases. If the solar panel system used above is connected n parallel, its voltage will remain 50 volts while the amperage will become 10 amps.

Parallel connections come into play when you don’t want the system to exceed power generation from the inverter’s limit. And since inverters have an amperage threshold rating as well, it helps in that regard.

Read More : Rechargeable lithium ion solar batteries can be used

Which Solar Panel Wiring Works Best

While both series and parallel connections have their advantages, a parallel connection is generally preferred as it ensures that the panels keep producing electricity continuously. It is also helpful in maintaining the overall output even if one panel is malfunctioning or shaded. However, the system needs to meet the minimum start voltage of the inverter in order to operate.

Hence, it is better to consult a solar installer. In most cases, they’ll design a hybrid connection of series and parallel to meet the voltage and amperage requirements of the inverter and get the most out of the solar panel connection as well.

Conclusion

Solar panel wiring needs your focus as it is important for sustainable power generation. Connecting solar panels in series or parallel have their own benefits and that is why most wiring connections are a hybrid of both designs to make the best use of the solar panel.