Mixing Different Voltage Solar Panels

Mixing solar panels of various voltage or wattage or produced by different manufacturers is a frequently asked question by most diyers.

Mixing different voltage solar panels. Though mixing different solar panels is not recommended it s not forbidden and things would be ok as long as each panel s electrical parameters voltage wattage amps are carefully considered. Combining pv panels in series requires you to use panels with the same very close currents. So they usually put a diode between the panel and the battery. The only way to wire in additional panels and guarantee that the voltage of all strings would remain equal is to add the exact same.

Typically the mixing of solar modules from different manufacturers and of dissimilar voltages wattages and amperages is not recommended. Since you are wanting to combine panels of differing currents but the same rated max. When connecting different solar modules it s not the different wattage it s actually the current for series connection and voltage for parallel connection that could drag down the. However if you take certain factors into careful consideration you can easily achieve this goal.

Also read why solar power panels are necessary for you. If the panels are the same voltage and they both contain a diode to prevent reverse current then yes you can. This diode does lose about 5 percent of the power 5 volt drop so more with a 6 volt system less in a 24 volt 5 6 about 15 percent 5 24 about 2 percent.