Solar Set-up Configurations
You can run your set-up in parallel or series. My set-up is in parallel-12v. I’m using a mppt solar controller which manages the amps and voltage to pull in more power if available.
Benefits of Parallel
Solar cells can also be arranged in parallel, where each solar panel is connected to every other panel in the circuit. Unlike connecting in series, connecting in parallel allows the voltage to stay the same, but the current adds up.
As I added solar panels, I used connectors like these:
The voltage stays the same and more wattage is added. Please note, the advantage of this set-up limited up to approximately 1,000 watts because of the size of the wire needed. My system was at 240 watts 12v. It is currently at 500 watts plus. I use 8 gauge wire and at least 10 gauge. I prefer to use 8 gauge. Most 12v solar panels come with 10 gauge wire. When extending, or adding solar panels, your distance will increase, hence the 8 gauge. It helps.
Benefits of Series
The benefit of series is that it is easy to transfer over long distances. For example you can have 4 Solar 100 Watt panels in series and run it 100 feet and only use a thin 14 gauge wire. So the benefit is distance. However, this is a solar install on a vehicle; van, car or RV. The distance may be reduced with exception to larger RVs.
I recommend using a MPPT Solar Controller. It will manage the efficiency of your solar system set-up.
The image below demonstrates series: how the volts are additive while the amperage stays the same. 100 AMP Hours at 48 volts.
