Mixing Different Solar Panels In Series

The parallel connection allows to increase the current keeping the same voltage.

Mixing different solar panels in series.

Mixing solar panels of various voltage or wattage or produced by different manufacturers is a frequently asked question by most diyers. When connecting modules of dissimilar electrical characteristics in series it is each module s current that plays a heavy role in how the string is going to perform in the solar power system. A failure at any point in the series will shut the entire system down. 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.

Though mixing different solar panels is not recommended it s not forbidden and things would be ok as long as each panel s electrical parameters voltage wattage amps are carefully considered. Both panels within a few hundreds of a volt. Another option is to take multiple solar panels and wire them together to equal the same output as the other mismatched panel. Properly done yes you can parallel the panels for more current.

For solar panels connected in parallel total power is calculated as follows. Dc power is inherently lossy compared to ac power when sent down a long wire. Mixing solar panels in parallel total connected power 150w 150w 150w 150w 600w unlike connection in series if among modules connected in parallel there is a module of power output lower than the output of the other modules this might not affect seriously the total power output of the array provided that this module has equal to the other modules rated voltage. Total connected power 140w 150w 150w 150w 590w unlike solar panels connected in series the different wattage parameters do not effect the overall outcome of the array.

Matched voltage even better. In short must be the same voltage. In it for the long haul. Nonetheless it is possible to wire them in parallel.

Both must have a diode or both not have a diode and some kind of external power control to protect the battery.