The best practices for mixing different solar panels.
Different sized solar panels in series.
Both have their own purpose and applications and both have different outcomes when hooking up solar panels of different wattage together.
We ve taken two solar panels one 24v 100w and one 1.
The secrets to connecting different solar panels in series or parallel the definitive guide.
Traditionally solar panels come in two different configurations.
What you need to now when mixing different wattage solar panels together.
How to squeeze more solar power by using different solar panels and breaking the best practices at the same time.
Firstly lets take a look at connecting solar panels in series.
On the roof of my camper van is a 100 watt solar panel which is wired into the mppt.
You can use solar panels with different wattages and brands but you have to connect them correctly.
Find out the safe way use them in our guide.
That s all great however sometimes at camp i d like to also wire in a completely separate solar panel a ground standing one directly into the mppt but not in parallel just 2 sets of dc leads from the respective panels to the mppt.
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There are two ways to wire up solar panels.
After these clarifications let s see how the series connection takes place.
But solar energy does not stop in large rigid solar panels.
Solar panels are usually connected in series to obtain higher output voltage.
In series or parallel.
In a solar power system the higher the voltage and the lower the energy losses along the cables to know the maximum system voltage we usually just need to turn the panel and read the label where the value is reported.
When installing solar panels in series the voltage adds up but the current stays the same for all of the elements.
You can also find small solar panels and they are ideal to mount on motorhomes boats and caravans.
By connecting multiple solar panels in series we increase the system voltage.
Let s get straight to the point.
For example if you installed 5 solar panels in series with each solar panel rated at 12 volts and 5 amps you d still have 5 amps but a full 60 volts.
However if you go to panasonic or sunpower they offer 96 cell panels.
Now if you do have two different solar panels two different sizes the best solution with charging a single battery bank is for each of them to have their own charge controller.