An electric circuit is created by wiring together the solar panels. Current flows through this circuit and once they are wired to the inverter the conversion of DC to AC begins. This power is then consumed by your household appliances. The wiring of solar panels with each other and then to the inverter is referred to as stringing. Each series of these solar panels connected together is termed a solar panel string.
Type of Wiring Required for Stringing
Specific types of connectors and cables are used for wiring solar panels. These are some of the main components that maintain the efficiency of the system. Different types of wires included are as follows:
- Charge Controller and Inverter Cables: They connect the battery with charge controllers.
- Circuit Breakers or Fuses: Their type and size depend on the voltage and components of the system as they protect it against overcurrent
- MC4 Connectors: These standard connectors are commonly used for solar panel installation.
- PV Wire or Solar Cable: They are particularly used to interconnect the PV panels for stringing.
- Wire Management Clips or Zip Ties: They are commonly used to ensure the security and safety of wires, protecting them from potential damage.
Also See: Connecting Solar Panels in Series Vs Parallel
Determinants of Solar Panel String System
Before you determine how to string your solar array, you need to know some important information about your inverter and solar panels.
1. Inverter Information
To understand the inverter, refer to the manufacturer’s datasheet for the following specifications:
- Maximum DC input voltage (Vinput, max): The value specifies the highest voltage that the inverter can handle.
- Maximum Input Current: It is the capability of the inverter to withstand and handle a specific energy load.
- Minimum or “Start†Voltage (Vinput, min): The voltage level required for the inverter to function is indicated by this.
2. Solar Panel Information
You also need the following data on the PV panels:
- Open circuit voltage (Voc): It is the maximum voltage produced by solar panels in its no-load condition.
- Short circuit current (Isc): When the voltage is at zero, there is still a current flowing through the cell which is denoted by this.
These values should be based on the module’s performance under Standard Test Conditions (STC). In STC, there is an irradiance of 1000W per square meter and a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (approximately 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
Also See: What is Series Connection?
