When an installer fixes your panels, they connect them in series, parallel, or a mix. This changes how power reaches your inverter.
Series: like a chain
Connect the plus of one panel to the minus of the next.
- Voltage adds up.
- Current stays the same.
Example: 4 panels of about 40V each in series ≈ 160V.
Parallel: side by side
Connect all pluses together and all minuses together.
- Current adds up.
- Voltage stays the same.
Example: 4 panels of about 13A in parallel ≈ 52A at 40V.
Side by side
| Series | Parallel | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | Adds up | Stays the same |
| Current | Stays the same | Adds up |
| Cable thickness | Thinner | Thicker |
| Best with | MPPT inverters | Low-voltage controllers |
| Shade | One shaded panel affects the string | Less effect on others |
Why most home systems use series
Modern hybrid inverters with MPPT want a higher voltage. Series wiring gives that. Lower current means thinner, cheaper cables and less power lost on long runs, like on an upstairs building.
When parallel helps
If some panels face a different direction, or one part of the roof gets shade, two separate strings in parallel can help. Many inverters also have two MPPT inputs for this.
The voltage limit
Every inverter has a maximum input voltage. Panel voltage rises on cool mornings. Too many panels in series can go over the limit and damage the inverter. A good installer calculates this. Read how many panels for a 5kVA inverter.
