Photovoltaic panels differ in their ability to connect components. Photovoltaic cells can be combined in two ways: parallel and series. Each has different features, such as how to connect photovoltaic panels.
What are the characteristics of both types of modules?
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Each photovoltaic installation consists of one or several rows of modules fastened together in chains called strings. How they are mainly connected determines the voltage and current that will reach the inverter or microwave.
The voltage and current reaching the inverter are also determined by atmospheric conditions, i.e., the degree of sunlight, as well as the frequency of cleaning of photovoltaic panels, which significantly impacts the efficient functioning of the entire installation.
There are two ways to connect photovoltaic modules:
Both parallel and series connections of photovoltaic panels have advantages that enable efficient operation. A professional assembly company always decides how to connect the modules, considering the type of inverter and possible further investment expansion plans.
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Parallel connection of photovoltaic panels involves connecting all their cables on the principle of pluses and minuses with minuses. Thanks to this, the voltage in the entire circuit is the same as that declared for a single-cell module, but the current is added up. This connection type is used where increased power efficiency is required.
Parallel connection of photovoltaic panels is used primarily in low-voltage installations, where each module has a separate inverter. This solution causes the voltage flowing through the solar cells to be low: this type of installation is equipped with microwaves.
This type of connection is also used in high-power photovoltaic installations, where it is necessary to connect many strings and use inverters with a broader input current range.
Advantages and disadvantages of parallel connection
The parallel connection of photovoltaic panels determines the voltage and current in the entire circuit. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this solution.
Advantages of parallel connection:
Disadvantages of parallel connection:
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Parallel connection of photovoltaic panels has many advantages that determine the high efficiency of the entire installation. However, before you decide to use it, consider all the features of this type of joint.
Connecting photovoltaic panels in series involves connecting their cables according to the pluses and minuses principle. This connection causes the voltage in each circuit to increase while the current in a single string remains the same as in one module.
This type of connection was widely used. It was used both in home installations and in enterprises. The heart of the entire series-connected system is a series inverter — also called a string inverter — which manages the operation of all modules. This means the more panels are connected in a series, the more voltage reaches them.
Connecting PVs in series allows you to achieve greater efficiency for the inverter and the entire installation. In this type of solution, converting direct current into alternating current can be performed more efficiently and with lower energy losses.
Advantages and disadvantages of series connection
The PV series connection is viral. In this type of joint, each module’s operation directly affects the others’ efficiency. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution?
Advantages of series connection:
Disadvantages of series connection:
Suppose you are planning to install an extensive photovoltaic installation or want to do it in the future to build an energy-efficient house. In that case, PV series connection is the solution for you. However, before making the final decision, consider all the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution.
Connecting photovoltaic panels with different power is not recommended, either in series or parallel. This is because, in both types of joints, the modules with the worst parameters will affect the efficiency of the remaining ones, ultimately reducing the efficiency of the entire installation.
However, this possibility is provided by parallel connection of photovoltaic panels, but only if microwaves are used separately for each module. This means that each micro-inverter works individually, so using solar panels with different powers will not affect the efficiency of the others.
Both series and parallel PV wiring have their advantages and disadvantages. Before deciding to use one of them, consider factors such as the location of the installation, the type of inverter, and the desire for further expansion.
If you are unsure what type of connection to use in your installation, seek help from professionals who will advise you in making the best decision, presenting in detail the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
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