Boat Solar Panel Series Or Parallel

Decide between parallel or series wiring for our solar install.

Boat solar panel series or parallel.

Every setup is different and there is no universal answer. Try each setup for a couple of days and record the data. The two solar panels are wired in parallel using an mc4 t branch connector if one panel is shaded the other panel will still provide full power to the controller. Using our same example of 5 panels each rated at 12 volts and 5 amps if you connected them in parallel you d still have 12 volts but now 25 amps.

Unlike connecting in series connecting in parallel allows the voltage to stay the same but the current adds up. Using the branch connectors you can try both parallel and series. The solar panel on this kit provides multiple connection options. Individual silicon cells produce only around 0 6v and so enough of them have to be connected together in series to produce a voltage high enough to be able to charge a 12v battery.

How to best orient the solar panels because of shading. Series issue as maine sail has said many times before the answer is. Series would allow us to run thinner gauge wires which means smaller holes in our boat and less potential for leaks. See which actually works on your boat in your setup.

A charge controller must be connected. There is a switch in the positive wire between the solar panel and the controller. Less leaking would be a huge plus but that tilt test still sticks in my head and makes me nervous. For example it s capable of supporting parallel and series or a connection of both.

Typical marine solar panels are comprised of a number of silicon cells normally 32 connected together in a series string. This bundle is jam packed with two identical lightweight flexible solar panels.