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Grape Solar STAR Series
For more information about this kit, visit
http://www.grapesolar.com/manuals.html
Series vs. Parallel Connections
Grape Solar STAR panels can be connected in parallel or series when used in conjunction with an
appropriately sized charge controller.
Connecting Panels In Series will result in a higher input voltage to a charge controller while a parallel
connection will result in a higher input current. Since an MPPT charge controller works as a transformer,
and increases the output current up as it reduces the voltage, the power fed to the battery will be the same
in both configurations.
It is a popular misconception that two panels in series are for charging a 24V battery bank and two panels
in parallel are for charging a 12V battery bank. In reality a 12V battery bank can be charged with an array
voltage of anything greater than 16V. That means a 1000V could charge a 12V battery as long as an
appropriate MPPT charge controller is used. But, in order to charge a 24V battery bank one would need
at least 32V.
Panels should always be connected in parallel for 12V charging with a PWM style charge controller.
Advantages of a series connection:
Since a series connection results in a higher voltage, that means that current is lower and there will be
less line losses. Less line losses means that smaller, less expensive wire can be used to connect the
panels to the charge controller on long runs. Also, money can be saved by not having to purchase MC4
comparable T Branch connectors.
Advantages of a parallel connection:
Many charge controllers have an input voltage limit of 25V. If the charge controller in your system has this
limitation a series connection would overload your charge controller. Parallel connections should always
be used with PWM style charge controllers.
•
www.grapesolar.com
Tel. 1-877-264-1014 (toll free), 1-541-349-9000, Fax: 1-541-343-9000
Connection Guide
©Copyright 2012, Grape Solar, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Connection Guide Rev. 170324
Valid from Mar 2017
1
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Grape Solar STAR Series
Summary of Contents for Grape Solar STAR Series
- Page 1 Series vs. Parallel Connections Grape Solar STAR panels can be connected in parallel or series when used in conjunction with an appropriately sized charge controller. Connecting panels in series will result in a higher input voltage to a charge controller while a parallel connection will result in a higher input current.
- Page 2 Connecting Panels in Series The Grape Solar STAR panels come with two 900mm MC4 comparable leads, one for positive + and the other for negative -. A connector from one panel can plug into the connector on another panel to form a series connection.
- Page 3 Connection Guide Rev. 170324 2 Panels In Series ( Only for MPPT Charge Controllers ) 3 Panels In Parallel 4 Panels In Parallel • www.grapesolar.com Valid from Mar 2017 Tel. 1-877-264-1014 (toll free), 1-541-349-9000, Fax: 1-541-343-9000...
- Page 4 Mounting Hardware & Additional Accessories Mounting Because of the wide variety of possible user applications, Grape Solar panels do not come standard with mounting hardware, but the panels come with study aluminum frames that have mounting holes and can be mounted to a variety of structures and materials including wooden or metal frames.
- Page 5 Grape Solar's Product datasheet, provided that such loss in power is determined by Grape Solar (at its sole and absolute discretion) to be due to defects in material or workmanship Grape Solar will replace such loss in power by either providing to the Customer additional PV modules to make...
- Page 6 If you feel you have a justified claim covered by this Limited Warranty, immediately notify the (a) Installer who sold the PV-modules, or (b) any authorized Grape Solar distributor of the claim in writing, or (c) send such notification to 2635 W 7 Pl, Eugene, OR 97402, directly.
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