When the solar panel system is grid-connected for electricity power generation, to achieve maximum power efficiency, the solar panel array must implement Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control. This allows the solar panel array to achieve maximum power output under different sunlight conditions.
Points You Need To Consider for the Series of the Solar Panels
1) The specifications, number of series connections, and installation angles of the solar panels connected to the same inverter should be consistent.
2) The temperature coefficients of the solar panel’s maximum power voltage (Vmp) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) should be taken into account. The Vmp of the series-connected PV array should be within the MPPT range of the inverter, and the Voc should be lower than the maximum input voltage of the inverter.
Generally, the DC input voltage range of an inverter is fixed. The recommended maximum DC input voltage for a grid-connected PV inverter is 1100V, with an MPPT range of 200V to 1000V. When selecting the number of series-connected solar modules, two aspects must be considered:
- The high limit of the open-circuit voltage must be less than the maximum withstand DC voltage of the inverter;
- The low limit of the rated operating voltage must not be less than the minimum value of the inverter’s MPPT range.
Given these conditions, for PV modules, the number of series-connected solar modules can not exceed 21 modules per string. At a standard temperature of 25°C, for the 540W mono-facial solar panel as an example, the open-circuit voltage would be 49.6V × 20 series = 992V < 1100V, and the maximum power operating voltage would be 41.64V × 20 = 832.8V< 1000V, which meets the inverter’s requirements.
How to wire solar panels in series?
When you connect the solar panels in series, the output voltage of the series solar modules will increase, while the output current remains the same. The solar panel has a positive pole and a negative pole, to wire solar panels together in series, just connect the positive pole of the first solar panel to the negative pole of the second solar panel, and the positive pole of the second solar panel to the negative pole of the third solar panel, and connect the remaining solar panels according to this rule. Take 10 pieces of 550W solar panels as an example, the voltage of each panel is 42V, and the current is 13A. After the series connection, you will get a 420V 13A solar panel array.
How to connect solar panels in parallel?
When you connect the solar panels in parallel, the output current of the parallel solar modules will increase, while the output voltage remains the same. You can connect the positive terminal of the first solar panel to the positive terminal of the second solar panel, the negative terminal of the first panel to the negative terminal of the second panel, the positive terminal of the second panel to the positive terminal of the third panel, and the negative terminal of the second panel to the negative terminal of the third panel, connect the remaining solar panels according to this role. Here we also take the 10 pieces of 550W solar panels as an example, the voltage of each panel is 42V, the current is 13A, after the parallel connection, you will get a 130A 42V solar panel array, as the picture shows below:
Solar Panel Series VS Parallel
Solar panels in series or parallel have their own features, no better than the other, the most important thing is that you need to find suitable solutions for your specific solar system.
Solar panels in series are suitable for areas with large spaces and conditions if A higher voltage is required.
Solar panels in parallel are suitable for areas with limited space, and places that will be in shadow during the day and in the conditions if A higher current is needed.
HBOWA is a professional manufacturer and supplier of solar panels, solar lithium batteries, and inverters, provides one-stop solar power systems designing and configuring for solar panel system installers, distributors, and contractors all around the world. If you have any concerns or questions about the solar systems or components, feel free to contact us directly.
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