Can I String Together Different Wattage Solar Panels Together

With the rising popularity of solar systems in India, there has been a surge in the supply of solar panels in the market. Information technology is not an uncommon scenario if a consumer volition have panels of dissimilar brands, voltages, or ratings. In such a scenario, he will be about confused if he can use all of them together. In this article, nosotros would like to highlight such a situation of the consumer.

When ii or more than solar panels are paired together, a user intends to increase the power output. Yet, he must be well versed in the pros and cons of doing so. Connecting together panels is an easy way to aggrandize the whole solar system.

Lasted Updated: July, 2021

How to Wire Mismatched Solar Panels in Serial and Parallel?

In the above diagram, it shows connecting different ratings of solar panels. Here are ii numbers of solar panels of 180W and one number of shark solar panel of 440W. When we connect mixed solar panels, nosotros are e'er aware about output voltage of solar panels. Here, the voc of 180W is 23.6V & the voc of 440W is 50V. The connexion method of unlike ratings of solar panels is Series & Parallel connection both. An overall connexion is working successfully. To become more confident, watch this video beneath:

Types of Solar Connection:

• Series Connection: Always increase the voltage
• Parallel Connection: E'er increase the electric current (ampere)
• Mixed Connection: When required maximum voltage & ampere

Different Types of Situations

State of affairs 1: When we connect two solar panels in serial:

For example, the left side solar panel is of 180W – 12V & right side solar panel is 375W – 24V.Nosotros should also know how to read the technical sticker of each solar panel, where we tin can go information such every bit:

180 Watt Solar Panels:

Voltage: 23.26V

Current: 9.03A

375 Watt Solar Panels:

Voltage: 44.5V

Current: 9.62A

Afterwards Series Connection:

Total Voltage = 23.26V + 44.5V = 67.76V

Total Current = 9A

Total Power = 67.76V * 9A = 609W

In a series connection, the positive terminal of a solar panel to the negative concluding of the next solar panel. This needs to be continued until y'all accept 1 last complimentary positive and negative terminal which is to be continued with the inverter or charge controller of the solar organisation.

Too, in series, the total output current of the solar array is the aforementioned equally the current passing through a single console, but the total output voltage is the sum of the voltage on each of the solar panels. These panels should preferably be of the same type and power rating. Also, be careful of using panels with the same electric current rating. Connecting solar panels in serial is generally used in filigree-tied solar systems.

Situation 2: When we connect two solar panels in Parallel connection

180 Watt Solar Panels:

Voltage: 23.26V

Current: nine.03A

375Watt Solar Panels:

Voltage: 44.5V

Current: ix.62A

Afterwards Parallel Connexion:

Total Voltage = 23.26V

Total Current = 9.03A + nine.62A =18.65A

Full Power = 18.65A * 23.26 = 433W

In parallel connection, the positive terminals of all panels are joined together, and negative terminals of all panels are connected together. In the stop, you will be left with ane positive and negative last each which volition be continued to the inverter or charge controller of the solar system.

In this connection, the output voltage of the solar arrangement will be the same every bit the voltage of a single panel. The total output current is, however, the sum of the currents passing through each panel. Be careful of using panels with similar ratings because the lower the rating, the higher will be the loss of ability. Likewise, be mindful of using panels with the aforementioned voltage rating. A parallel connectedness is applicable for off-grid systems.

Practically Tested

I, myself have installed mismatched panels at my home and aught is wrong with them. I, earlier was using 5 panels of 12 volt 170 watt (around 8 amps) each in parallel configuration considering I and then had a 12 volt inverter. Now I've switched to a iii.2kW grid tied hybrid inverter that requires minimum 150 volts DC to showtime conversion. So so I added four more panels of 280 watt, 24 volt each (8.3 amps). All these 9 panels are installed and connected in serial configuration. I receive around 250 solar voltage at inverter. Solar panels produce more voltage than their rated voltage, they're normally 150%. In series connectedness, they are added up and amperes remain at everage. In my case at that place was no big deviation betwixt amperes of both panels. Everything working fine, never faced any trouble regarding mismatched panels .

Earlier installing these panels I was worried a piddling equally many people tried to frighten me well-nigh adverse effects just before installing I carried out a little experiment with 2 pocket-size mismatched dry out batteries. After this experiment I came to the conclusion that installing panels having ii different voltages are possible and there would be no fuss around.

Source: Quora

Conclusion

Mixing dissimilar solar panels is not recommended, simply in some situation as like Mr. Naeem Fraz'southward situation, yous can do. Wiring together panels of unlike brands is non much of an issue as pairing together panels of different electrical readings. If doing and so a user must exist well aware of the panels' electrical parameters like voltage, wattage, etc. and the repercussions of doing and so. Other factors such as temperature, solar cells' temperature, and solar irradiance as well play a huge part in determining the total ability output.

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Source: https://www.loomsolar.com/blogs/collections/connecting-different-rating-of-solar-panels

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