Solar panels are becoming a common feature in many buildings. People are gradually turning to renewable energy resources, and solar panels are a cost-effective solution. This increased the demand for solar combiner boxes and installation services.
While the process is simple enough, it is important to determine the right method to string the solar panels and join them to the solar combiner box. The decision depends on the voltage and current you want to generate and supply to the control panel.
- Voltage is the measure of electric current/pressure that flows between two points. Household circuits have standard voltages, such as 110-120V, 220-240V, and 400-440V, to supply power to different appliances.
- Current is the transfer of electrons or electric charge from one point to another per unit of time.
- Electric power is when voltage and current are multiplied by each other. It is measured in watts.
Solar panels are strung in two different ways – series and parallel.
1. Series Stringing of Solar Panel
Series stringing is when the positive terminal of one solar panel is connected to the negative terminal of the following panel and so on. This leads to a series of solar panels where the voltage increases with the addition of each panel but the amperage remains the same throughout. Series stringing is used when you want the solar combiner box to supply a fixed amount of voltage to the electric appliances/inverter.
Also Read: Qualities of a Reliable Solar Combiner Box
2. Parallel Stringing of Solar Panel
Parallel stringing is when the positive terminal of the solar panel is connected to the positive terminal of the next one, and the negative terminal is connected to the negative terminal. This results in a fixed voltage but increases the amperage of the circuit. This connection is used when you need to power inverters with fixed/limited amperage.
Read More: Solar Panel Wiring Basics: An Intro to How to String Solar Panels
Solution Control System designs customized solar combiner boxes confirming the UL1741 standard. Our combiner boxes provide protection and monitor the solar panels to ensure a continuous supply of current. We serve residential, commercial and industrial clients with varying requirements.