Mixing Different Solar Panels In Series

A failure at any point in the series will shut the entire system down.

Mixing different solar panels in series.

Series connection of two solar panels with different current if we have two or more solar panels with the same voltage but with different current it is not possible to wire them in series. Properly done yes you can parallel the panels for more current. 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. 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. In it for the long haul. In short must be the same voltage. Dc power is inherently lossy compared to ac power when sent down a long wire.

Both must have a diode or both not have a diode and some kind of external power control to protect the battery. When mixing solar modules is important to remember that it is not the wattage of the modules that is important to consider. Another option is to take multiple solar panels and wire them together to equal the same output as the other mismatched panel. The parallel connection allows to increase the current keeping the same voltage.

Matched voltage even better. Mixing solar panels of various voltage or wattage or produced by different manufacturers is a frequently asked question by most diyers. Mixing different capacity panels will reduce total wattage output. Both panels within a few hundreds of a volt.

Nonetheless it is possible to wire them in parallel.