How to Combine Solar Panels

When you combine two or more solar panels, you can power more demanding equipment and charge larger batteries. Depending on the way you connect solar panels together, they will produce a stronger current or more voltage, according to the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. They combine power output the same way as batteries. For example, three 6-volt panels that supply 50 milliamps (mA) each will generate a total of 18 volts at 50 mA when connected in a series. On the other hand, two 150 mA 3-volt panels attached in parallel will produce 3 volts with a current of 300 mA.

Two or more solar panels
Electrical wires

Instructions

- 1
  Line up the solar panels in a row.
- 2
  Attach wires to the positive and negative terminals of the first panel, if it doesn't already have wires or snap-on connectors.
- 3
  Determine if you will combine the panels in parallel (amperage) or series (voltage). Consider the voltage and amperage demands of the device or battery you intend to attach them to.
- 4
  Connect the panels together with wires (or other built-in connectors). For a series, you may wire the positive terminal of the first panel to the negative terminal of the second panel. Continue this alternating pattern for all panels you intend to combine. For parallel combinations, run the positive and negative terminals of the first panel to the same terminals on the second panel and so on.
- 5
  Attach the panels to the electronic device or battery. When you combine panels in series, you must use the positive lead from the panel on one end of the series and the negative lead from the panel on the other end. For parallel connections, attach the positive and negative terminals on the last panel to the device or battery.
- 6
  Test the solar panels to determine if they successfully combine and supply the additional voltage or amperage when placed in sunlight. If not, check all of the connections.

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