Solar panel wiring is simply connecting solar panels together. The success of the solar system wiring determines whether the solar system is used properly or not. But if you are not a professional, solar panel wiring can be a hassle for you. Below I will introduce you the relevant issues about solar panel wiring.
1.The basic concept of solar panel wiring
Solar panel wiring is the use of different methods to connect solar panels together. If you want to have a solar system for generating electricity, then you need to connect all the solar panels to form a solar panel square, so that they are connected to the other components of the solar system to form a closed loop, so that the electricity generated by the solar panels can be used by the household, stored in batteries or delivered to the grid.
2. Types of solar panel wiring
Series solar panels: Series solar panels mainly use wires to connect the positive pole of one solar panel to the negative pole of another solar panel in turn. Each solar panel is connected in this way, and by analogy, the entire solar system can be connected in series, and finally connected to the solar inverter, the solar system can be used normally.
Parallel solar panels: Parallel solar panels use a wire to connect the positive pole of one solar panel to the positive pole of the next solar panel, and then use another wire to connect the negative pole of this solar panel to the negative pole of the next solar panel, so that the two solar panels are connected in parallel solar panels, and so on, you can connect the entire solar system.
Hybrid series and parallel connection of solar panels: When using this wiring method, you need to clarify which of the entire solar system needs to be connected in series and which needs to be connected in parallel. This is the key to the success of wiring the entire solar system. Once this is determined, you can connect the solar panels in series or in parallel according to the above method.
3. Advantages and disadvantages of series solar panels
Advantages: The main advantage of series solar panels is their simplicity. It only takes a small amount of wire to connect the entire solar system in series, and then the solar system can be used directly, reducing the cost of wires or other components. Solar systems with longer distances are more suitable for the series solar panel method.
Disadvantage: Connecting solar panels in series increases the output voltage of the whole solar system, and the inverter has to control the output voltage in the circuit within a certain range, which directly burdens the inverter, and the requirement of the control module in the inverter will be higher. If the line between the series-connected solar panels, found a fault or a solar panel can not work, then the entire solar system directly paralysed.
4. Advantages and disadvantages of parallel solar panels
Advantages: The main advantage of parallel solar panels is that each solar panel can operate independently, even if some of the solar panels in the solar system are faulty or for other reasons can not work, but this does not prevent the whole solar system can still operate.
Disadvantage: The high current of the parallel solar panel string will cause the inverter to work under high current for a long time, which may cause the aging of the inverter’s electronic components and shorten the service life of the inverter. And with the constant regulation of current, the inverter temperature will rise and even cause hot spots. Because each solar panel has to have its own independent wiring, resulting in a more complex wiring of the entire solar system, and it is also best to have a junction box or other components to assist the parallel solar system to be able to run.
5. Series-parallel hybrid solar panels advantages and disadvantages
Pros: The series-parallel hybrid solar panel method combines the advantages of series and parallel solar panels in that it can increase the voltage to transmit power over long distances as well as to supply power to large-scale power plants. In addition, the current is also increased to allow for fast charging or high current input to appliances. Series-parallel hybrid connection solar panels can flexibly adjust the current and voltage according to the actual situation, and this system also has a certain degree of fault tolerance, even if some of the solar panels fail, still the solar system can still work normally.
Disadvantages: Although series-parallel solar panels have many benefits, its disadvantages should not be ignored. First of all, it is complicated to connect, you need to be very clear about when you want to connect the solar panels in series and when you want to connect the panels in parallel to maximize the power generation efficiency. And when you want to use this kind of connection, you also need to pass the precise calculation, in order to achieve the solar system output voltage and output current balance. Finally this connection is also the most costly of the three wiring methods.
6. Steps for wiring solar panels
Prepare materials and tools: first of all, you have to choose the right wires, for different power solar system affordable have corresponding wires, in addition to the wiring assembly tools.
Fix the solar panel: Before connecting the solar panel, it is necessary to fix the solar panel in a suitable position to ensure that the solar panel can be used by the maximum power generation efficiency.
Add the solar connector to the wire: Cut a section of the wire into the housing, expose the internal metal wires, insert them into the lower and upper components of the connector respectively, connect all the components and tighten all the interfaces. Finally, use the solar connector assembly tool to reinforce the MC4 connector.
Choose the appropriate wiring method: You can choose the best wiring type according to the above mentioned methods, and connect the wiring according to the connection characteristics of each wiring method. Finally, you can connect the solar panel string to the inverter.
7. Where are these three wiring methods applicable?
Series solar panels: The series solar panels increase the output voltage of the whole solar system. For small area solar power system or solar power system that does not require much inverter, the series solar panels can meet their needs.
Parallel solar panels: Parallel solar panels increase the current in the solar system, because of its high current characteristics, so it is widely used in the need for fast charging, field operation equipment and areas with low temperature, etc.
Series-Parallel Hybrid Solar Panels: Series-parallel hybrid solar panels have the benefits of both series and parallel solar panels, and are generally suitable for home electricity or fast charging of various mobile devices.
Conclusion:
There are three common wiring methods for solar panels, they are applicable to different places, you have to choose the wiring method that suits you according to your actual situation, to ensure the efficient power generation of the whole solar system.
FAQ
Not necessarily, for small solar system series solar panels use less wires, simple wiring structure and do not need other additional components, relatively speaking the cost will be cheaper. But for larger solar systems parallel solar panels or series-parallel hybrid solar panels may reduce the overall cost of the solar system.
So the cost of wiring solar panels has to be considered based on the actual solar system size and other factors.
The main connecting wires for a solar system are 4mm² or 6mm² PV extension cables and MC4 connector wires. 4mm² or 6mm² volt extension cables, which are compatible with MC4 male and female connectors, are suitable for extending the connecting wires of solar panels. Generally when the output current of the solar system is high, we have to choose 6mm² PV extension cable. MC4 connector cable, which is a commonly used solar panel connection cable with waterproof, dustproof and abrasion-resistant features, suitable for outdoor environment.
