Can solar panels in series increase my system voltage?

Series Connection Basics

When solar panels are connected in series, the positive terminal of one panel is connected to the negative terminal of another panel, resulting in a higher system voltage. This type of connection is useful when the system voltage must match the voltage of an existing inverter or other equipment. For example, a 12V inverter typically requires a 12V system voltage.

Voltage and Current Relationship

When connecting solar panels in series, the total system voltage is the sum of the individual panel voltages. However, the total system current remains the same as the current produced by a single panel. For instance, two 12V panels connected in series produce a 24V system voltage, but the current remains the same as a single 12V panel. This is important to consider when sizing the system and selecting the inverter.

Example Series Connection

To illustrate this concept, consider a system with three 12V solar panels connected in series. The total system voltage would be 36V (12V x 3), and the total current would remain 5A (assuming each panel produces 5A). In this scenario, the system voltage has been increased to match the voltage required by a 36V inverter.