Solar panels can be wired two ways, and each method has a unique setup. The main options are parallel wiring and series wiring. 

Key Considerations 

All solar panels have hardware that generates clean power from sunlight, and the energy is measured with equipment that calculates watts. In order to determine a system’s wattage, you’ll have to use a device that multiplies amps and voltage. 

During the installation, you must to ensure that your solar panel system has a practical energy balance. If the amps and voltage aren’t ideal, your system will develop performance problems after you’ve successfully wired the hardware. 

The size of a solar system usually impacts the wiring method. In some cases, parallel wiring is the best method, and during other situations, a series wiring setup may be a more suitable option. Some systems might also function more efficiently after they’re wired with a combination of parallel and series techniques. 

Series Wiring 

Panels that are wired in a series are connected to one another in a pattern. This setup moves energy in an efficient way by transmitting energy together. As this happens, the electrical amps don’t change. After a solar panel system is wired in a series, one wire runs along the roof. 

Parallel 

Parallel wiring procedures involve centralized tactics. This means that multiple wires are attached to one main centralized wire that runs on the roof. When compared to a series wiring setup, a parallel configuration generates energy in a different way by summing together amps without changing the voltage. If you wire your system using parallel techniques, you’ll have to run many wires from the main solar panel hardware. 

Wiring Options 

In order to ensure optimum performance, you must implement maintenance procedures regularly. During some maintenance situations, you may discover damage or fray wiring that needs to be replaced. The main replacement wiring options for solar panel systems include:

  • Electrical wiring: This type of wiring has one metal core. If a standard electrical wire has a multi-core design, it will feature a multi-stranded conductor. Wires with a single core are ideal for homes, and wiring with a multi-stranded design are specifically engineered for trains, boats, and cars.
  • One-strand conductor wiring: Wiring that has a one-strand conductor is designed for domestic use and is suitable for an average solar panel system. However, if your neighborhood gets strong winds, you should use wiring with a multi-stranded conductor because it has a tougher housing.