Boat Solar Panel Series Or Parallel

This bundle is jam packed with two identical lightweight flexible solar panels.

Boat solar panel series or parallel.

Unlike connecting in series connecting in parallel allows the voltage to stay the same but the current adds up. Series would allow us to run thinner gauge wires which means smaller holes in our boat and less potential for leaks. Typical marine solar panels are comprised of a number of silicon cells normally 32 connected together in a series string. In fact it s the exact opposite of connecting in series.

There is a switch in the positive wire between the solar panel and the controller. Using the branch connectors you can try both parallel and series. For example it s capable of supporting parallel and series or a connection of both. How to best orient the solar panels because of shading.

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. 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. Every setup is different and there is no universal answer. They have a 30 degree bend capacity that allows easy placement for your any of your appliances.

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. But to visit the parallel vs. Try each setup for a couple of days and record the data. Series issue as maine sail has said many times before the answer is.

See which actually works on your boat in your setup. A charge controller must be connected.