A simple and effective way of increasing the power of your solar modules is by connecting them. At times, it is cost-effective to purchase solar panels alternatively and not all at once. But then the problem arises to connect them with previously installed solar panels. Well, it is not an issue though because all you need is to select a connection method. Today you will get to know how to connect 3 solar panels in parallel? Do solar panels in parallel have to be the same wattage? Come find out!
What is Parallel Connection? Can I Connect 3 Solar Panels in Parallel?
In a parallel connection, the electricity has numerous paths to flow through. And yes, it is possible to connect 3 solar panels in parallel. Let us find out how solar panels can be connected
In series, parallel, and hybrid. All three methods have different impacts on the overall performance of solar modules.
- Parallel connection increases overall ampere output.
- Series connection increases the overall voltage of solar panels
- Hybrid is a combination of both parallel and series that results in higher wattage arrays.
After learning about parallel connection and getting the answer for can I connect 3 solar panels in parallel? Let’s further learn how to connect 3 solar panels in parallel via the following question.
How to Connect 3 Solar Panels in Parallel?
In a parallel connection, the positive terminal of a solar panel is connected to the positive terminal of other solar panels. Negative terminals are connected to negative terminals. In the end, both positive and negative terminals are connected to the solar controller. This means each solar panel is connected to every other solar panel in the module. After this, let’s learn how to connect 2 solar panels in parallel.
How to Connect 2 Solar Panels in Parallel?
If you plan to connect two solar panels with the same wattage, it will be a simple connection. You can simply connect one positive terminal of the panel to another panel and do the same for the negative poles. For this, you can use a pair of MC4 Y-branch solar connectors, or whichever is suggested by your installer.
Here is the step-by-step method to connect them.
Step 1: Both panels should be placed close to each other, and their angles should be oriented to the sun at the same angle.
Step 2: Ensure panels are not shading each other. Also, there are no other possible causes of shading on them.
Step 3: Appropriate sections of electrical cables according to panel distance should be used.
Step 4: For wiring, the panel terminals neatly, use a junction box.
Also See: Connecting Solar Panels in Series Vs Parallel
How Do You Wire 3 Solar Panels in Parallel? How to Connect 4 Solar Panels in Parallel?
Suppose you have 3 solar panels of 6 Volts each or 3A. Since in parallel connection output voltage will be the same that is 6 Volts, but total ampere is addictive, and you will have 9.0 Amperes. Together 54 watts of power will be produced (amps*volt).
For this, connect the positive terminals of panel 1 with panel 2 and then to panel 3. Do the same with negative terminals. Connect the end wire with the solar controller.
For the same, if you have solar panel 4, carry on the connection from panel 3 to panel 4 and then connect it with the controller. This is how to connect 3 solar panels in parallel or 4 panels. This should have taught you about how do you wire 3 solar panels in parallel and how to connect 4 solar panels in parallel.
How Many Solar Panels Can You Connect in Parallel?
Connecting together solar panels increases their voltage. And the number of solar panels you can connect in parallel depends on the volt of your battery charging system. Also, you need to maintain an optimum output value of the system. Because the output of more than 70A is considered high wattage needs management to avoid damage to the system and appliances.
Also, parallel connection is applicable for off-grid systems. Therefore, depending on your voltage and current requirements, you can add solar panels in parallel followed by a connection in series and then in parallel. For connecting any significant number of solar panels in parallel, it is always advisable to consult an expert.
Also See: Can You Connect Inverters in Series?
Do Solar Panels in Parallel Have to Be the Same Wattage?
Yes, to connect solar panels in a parallel connection they need to be of the same wattage. However, in such a case when you have two panels of the same voltage and one of a higher voltage you can carry out a parallel connection.
For example, 2 panels of 6V and 1 panel of 12V
Wire both 6V panels together in a series connection and then do the parallel connection of the resultant array to the 12V panel.
What Precautionary Measures Should Be Taken While Connecting Solar Panels?
After learning about how to connect 3 solar panels in parallel, I am sure that you will try connecting them. Sure, go ahead, but with proper safety measures and not without expert guidance. Working with wires is no joke, therefore; take a look at the below-mentioned precautions.
1. Beware of Current
It is an essential aspect of wiring solar panels together. To avoid damage to your panels and system overall, it is recommended to balance the wiring connection between series and parallel throughout the module.
For example, if you wired 6 panels of 10V each in series, the output current will be 60A.
Thus, to optimize the energy performance of the entire system you can wire 2 panels in series that will give you double voltage. Then wire the remaining 3 pairs in parallel. This way you have doubled the voltage and tripled the current, which is effective for high-wattage systems.
2. Choose the Correct Diode
These are among the essential components of solar modules. For wiring 2 solar panels together, use a diode with a low threshold voltage to ensure less power dissipation. Also, the type and length of electrical wires should be considered carefully. With every increasing solar panel in the series, there will be a rise in the current and voltage. This leads to energy dissipation within the wire.
How to connect 3 solar panels in parallel? The answer to this is very simple and all you have to do is go positive with positive and negative with negative. This way your solar panel will give increased output. How many solar panels can you connect in parallel? As for the answer to this question, it all depends on the module, requirements, efficiency, and other factors related to output.
Recommended: What is Solar Net Metering?
