solar panels

Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 at 10:17
ThreadID: 66244 Views:2438 Replies:3 FollowUps:0
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G'day, I have got 2 x 20 watt panels and want to connect them in parallel... as I am all new to solar here is the dumb question..

To connect in parallel do i just splice the wires from each panel and go from there, or is it any better to connect each panel to the junction box on the back of the panels..
or is there a different and proper way??
Thanks
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Reply By: Member - Malcolm (Townsville) - Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 at 10:25

Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 at 10:25
just cruizn

Have a look at Collyn Rivers website at http://www.caravanandmotorhomebooks.com he also has some excellent articles at this site (free).

Malcolm
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AnswerID: 350736

Reply By: Maîneÿ (wa) has - Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 at 10:56

Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 at 10:56
I will assume the panels are side by side or end to end, so just connect the (+) from one panel to the (+) in the 'junction box' of the other panel and the (-) from one to the (-) in the 'junction box' of the other panel.

IMPORTANT: cover BOTH solar PANELS with a blanket OR wire-up indoors.

Then you have just one set of cables going to the "solar regulator" assuming of course you will use one?

Mainey . . .
AnswerID: 350738

Reply By: ABR - SIDEWINDER - Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 at 11:51

Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009 at 11:51
Hi JC

As you are dealing with only 3 or 4 amps wiring is not really an issue. First decide on position / mounting options and then wire them in parallel. This can be panel to panel or panel to regulator.

In this case you will need a regulator as 40W can boil a battery.

Here is a picture that may help from another-web-page



Regards

Derek from ABR
AnswerID: 350749

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