triadamw.blogg.se - Series vs parallel

#SERIES VS PARALLEL SERIES#

We have 2 x 95w panels, each rated at 4.5A and 21.1 volts, and a 130w panel rated at 7.5A and 17.3 volts. Let’s take an example, which happens to be an identical setup to that on Baloo, our Sprinter van conversion:

When a solar array uses a mix of panels with different ratings, the power output is no longer the same across all configurations. When wired in parallel, the lowest voltage is used. When wired in series, the lowest amp rating of all the panels is used in the calculation.

#SERIES VS PARALLEL SERIES#

The calculations explained above for series, parallel, and series and parallel combinations still hold. Yes, you can but determining how best to configure the system isn’t as straightforward. What if you’re on the road, living in your van full-time, and need to replace an existing solar panel or want to add another to your setup but can’t source the same panels? Perhaps you have a few mismatched solar panels to kick off a budget solar setup. They’ll all be the same brand, type, and wattage, so operating currents and voltages will all be the same. In an ideal world, your camper solar setup will consist of a set of identical solar panels. Mixing Solar Panels & How Best to Wire Them The following sections look at each of these in turn.

Secondly, the power output calculations are based on optimal operating conditions.

Firstly, the calculations only hold when all the solar panels in the array are the same.

It’s important when it comes to selecting a solar charge controller for your RV or campervan.īut there are two caveats to all of this. When the solar panels in the array are all the same, the power output is the same regardless of how they are wired (at least mathematically), but the current and voltage differ.

These two strings wired in parallel could produce 35.8 volts and 11.44 amps – a total of 409 watts.

The 2nd pair of panels wired in series could produce 35.8 volts and 5.72 amps.

The 1st pair of panels wired in series could produce 35.8 volts and 5.72 amps.

In the diagram above, 4 x 100w panels, each with a rated voltage of 17.9 and current of 5.72A:

Then, the two strings’ voltage stays the same while the current (or amps) are added together. When solar panels are wired in a combination of series and parallel, the voltage in each string is added together while the current (or amps) stays the same. in series), the 2nd pair in another string, then wire the two strings in parallel. Taking the same 4 x 100 watt panels, you’d wire a pair in one string (i.e. There are no surprises for figuring out what wiring solar panels in a combination of series and parallel means.