Wiring Mismatched Solar Panels in Series and Parallel

You might have seen the DIY solar series we’ve been doing where we’re showing different ways to wire solar panels that are mismatched. See different watts & different volts and amps. Depending on what is different, there’s different ways that you should wire them; in series or parallel.

Now, if you do have two different solar panels, two different sizes, the best solution, with charging a single battery bank, is for each of them to have their own charge controller.

Another option is to take multiple solar panels and wire them together to equal the same output as the other mismatched panel. For instance, in the demo below, we have a 100W 24V panel and some 50W 12V panels. What we can do is wire the two 12V panels in series, plus to minus, and then we can wire it in parallel with the 24V panel. We don’t have to worry about the lower voltage 12V panels pulling that voltage down, like it did when we just had a single one.

What results will our Solar Queen get when she wires mismatched solar panels in series and parallel? Watch our demo to find out!

Demo: how to wire mismatched solar panels in series & parallel


 

About Author

Amy Beaudet
Amy Beaudet was in the solar industry at the altE Store from 2007 until her untimely passing in 2021. She was a sales rep, instructor, and an all-around solar evangelist, sharing her passion for solar around the world. When whe wasn't at work, she enjoyed sailing and skiing - but odds were good she was still talking about solar on the boat or on the slopes. See more of Amy Beaudet's blog posts.