Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, but how you wire them together determines the voltage, current, and overall performance of your system. The two basic wiring configurations -- series and parallel -- each have distinct advantages depending on your inverter, charge controller, shading conditions, and system size.
This guide covers series vs parallel wiring with clear diagrams, when to use each configuration, and how to design a complete solar panel wiring system.
Solar Panel Electrical Basics
Before diving into wiring diagrams, you need to understand three key electrical specifications that every solar panel has:
- Voc (Open Circuit Voltage): The maximum voltage the panel produces with no load connected. Typically 20-48V for residential panels.
- Isc (Short Circuit Current): The maximum current the panel produces. Typically 8-12A for residential panels.
- Vmp (Maximum Power Voltage): The voltage at maximum power output. Slightly less than Voc.
- Imp (Maximum Power Current): The current at maximum power output. Slightly less than Isc.
- Pmax (Maximum Power): Vmp x Imp. Typically 300-450W for modern residential panels.
These specifications are measured under Standard Test Conditions (STC): 1000 W/m2 irradiance, 25 degrees C cell temperature, AM 1.5 spectrum.
Series Wiring
In a series configuration, the positive terminal of one panel connects to the negative terminal of the next panel. This is like stacking batteries end to end.
How Series Wiring Affects Voltage and Current
- Voltage adds up: If you have four 40V panels in series, the total voltage is 160V.
- Current stays the same: If each panel produces 10A, the string produces 10A.
- Power is the sum: 4 panels at 400W each = 1,600W total.
Series Wiring Diagram
Panel 1 (+) ---> Panel 2 (-) | Panel 2 (+) ---> Panel 3 (-) | Panel 3 (+) ---> Panel 4 (-)
Panel 1 (-) = String negative
Panel 4 (+) = String positive
The string negative and string positive connect to the inverter or charge controller input.
When to Use Series Wiring
- String inverters: Most grid-tied string inverters require high DC input voltage (150-500V). Wiring panels in series is the only way to reach these voltages.
- Long cable runs: Higher voltage means lower current for the same power, which allows smaller wire gauge and reduces voltage drop over long distances.
- No shading issues: Series wiring works best when all panels receive equal sunlight.
Series Wiring Disadvantage: Shading
The biggest weakness of series wiring is shading sensitivity. In a series string, the current is limited by the weakest panel. If one panel is shaded and produces only 2A, the entire string is limited to approximately 2A -- even if the other three panels could produce 10A each. This dramatically reduces power output.
Mitigation: Bypass diodes. Most panels have built-in bypass diodes that allow current to flow around a shaded cell or panel section. This helps, but shaded panels still reduce overall string performance.
Parallel Wiring
In a parallel configuration, all positive terminals connect together, and all negative terminals connect together.
How Parallel Wiring Affects Voltage and Current
- Voltage stays the same: If each panel produces 40V, the parallel group produces 40V.
- Current adds up: If each panel produces 10A, four panels in parallel produce 40A.
- Power is the sum: 4 panels at 400W each = 1,600W total.
Parallel Wiring Diagram
Panel 1 (+) ---|
Panel 2 (+) ---+--- Combined positive ---> Charge controller / Inverter (+)
Panel 3 (+) ---|
Panel 1 (-) ---|
Panel 2 (-) ---+--- Combined negative ---> Charge controller / Inverter (-)
Panel 3 (-) ---|
Use branch connectors (MC4 Y-connectors) to combine the positive and negative wires.
When to Use Parallel Wiring
- Battery-based systems (12V, 24V, 48V): Charge controllers for off-grid systems often have lower voltage input requirements. Parallel wiring keeps the voltage at panel level.
- Partial shading: If some panels are shaded at different times (morning shade on one side, afternoon shade on the other), parallel wiring prevents one shaded panel from dragging down the others.
- Microinverters: Systems with microinverters (one per panel) effectively wire each panel independently, which is conceptually similar to parallel operation.
Parallel Wiring Disadvantage: Higher Current
Higher current requires larger wire gauge, larger fuses, and larger combiners. For large arrays, the current can exceed what standard components can handle, making pure parallel wiring impractical.
Mitigation: Blocking diodes or fuses. Each parallel branch should have a fuse to prevent reverse current flow if one panel fails or is shaded. Some panels include built-in blocking diodes for this purpose.
Series-Parallel (Hybrid) Wiring
Most real-world solar installations use a combination of series and parallel wiring. Panels are wired in series to form a "string" that reaches the required voltage, and then multiple strings are wired in parallel to reach the required current/power.
Series-Parallel Wiring Diagram
Example: 12 panels arranged as 3 strings of 4 panels each.
String 1: Panel 1 + Panel 2 + Panel 3 + Panel 4 in series (voltage = 4 x Vmp)
String 2: Panel 5 + Panel 6 + Panel 7 + Panel 8 in series
String 3: Panel 9 + Panel 10 + Panel 11 + Panel 12 in series
Then, String 1, String 2, and String 3 are connected in parallel at a combiner box:
- All string positives connect together.
- All string negatives connect together.
- Each string has its own fuse in the combiner box.
Result:
- Voltage = 4 x Vmp (enough for the string inverter)
- Current = 3 x Imp (three strings in parallel)
- Power = 12 x Pmax
Design Rules for Series-Parallel Wiring
- All panels in a series string must be identical (same manufacturer, model, and wattage). Mismatched panels in a string reduce performance to the weakest panel.
- All strings in a parallel group should have the same number of panels (same voltage) to prevent current imbalance.
- Each string needs a fuse at the combiner box to protect against reverse current.
- String voltage must not exceed the inverter or charge controller maximum input voltage at the lowest expected temperature (cold temperatures increase Voc).
Complete System Wiring Diagram
Grid-Tied System (String Inverter)
Solar Panels (series strings) ---> Combiner Box ---> String Inverter ---> AC Breaker Panel ---> Utility Grid
Components:
- Solar panels: Wired in series strings.
- Combiner box: Parallel-connects multiple strings with fuses.
- DC disconnect: Switch to isolate the panels from the inverter for maintenance.
- String inverter: Converts DC from the panels to AC for the grid. Includes MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking).
- AC disconnect: Switch between the inverter and the breaker panel.
- Breaker panel: The inverter backfeeds power into the home's electrical panel.
- Utility meter: Net meter tracks power exported to and imported from the grid.
Off-Grid System (Charge Controller + Battery)
Solar Panels ---> Charge Controller ---> Battery Bank ---> Inverter ---> AC Loads
Components:
- Solar panels: Wired in series, parallel, or series-parallel depending on charge controller specs.
- Charge controller: MPPT or PWM. Regulates voltage and current to charge the battery safely.
- Battery bank: Stores energy for use when panels are not producing. Lead-acid, lithium, or LiFePO4.
- Battery disconnect: Fused disconnect between battery and inverter.
- Inverter: Converts DC battery voltage to 120V or 240V AC.
- AC loads: Household devices.
Wire Sizing for Solar Panels
Undersized wire causes voltage drop, power loss, and heat. Use the following guidelines:
DC Wire Sizing (Panels to Inverter/Controller)
The goal is to keep voltage drop under 2% for the DC run.
| Current (A) | Distance (one way, feet) | Recommended Wire (copper) |
|---|---|---|
| 10A | Up to 20 ft | 10 AWG |
| 10A | 20-40 ft | 8 AWG |
| 10A | 40-70 ft | 6 AWG |
| 20A | Up to 15 ft | 8 AWG |
| 20A | 15-30 ft | 6 AWG |
| 30A | Up to 10 ft | 8 AWG |
| 30A | 10-20 ft | 6 AWG |
| 30A | 20-40 ft | 4 AWG |
Use a voltage drop calculator for precise sizing based on your specific voltage and distance.
Connector Types
- MC4 connectors: The industry standard for solar panel connections. Waterproof, UV-resistant, rated for 30A and up to 1000V DC.
- Ring terminals: Used at the inverter and charge controller terminal blocks.
- Bus bars: Used in combiner boxes to parallel-connect strings.
Safety and Code Requirements
NEC Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems)
- Rapid shutdown: NEC 2017 and later requires rapid shutdown capability -- the system must be able to reduce voltage to safe levels within seconds for firefighter safety.
- Grounding: All metal frames, racking, and enclosures must be bonded and grounded.
- Overcurrent protection: Each string requires a fuse or breaker sized per NEC Table 690.9.
- Wire type: Use PV Wire (formerly known as USE-2) for exposed outdoor runs. It is rated for direct sunlight, moisture, and the temperatures found in conduit on rooftops.
- Labeling: All disconnects, combiners, and conduit must be labeled as part of a solar PV system.
- Arc-fault protection: DC arc-fault protection may be required depending on the inverter and local code.
Create Your Own Solar Panel Wiring Diagram
Designing your solar system on paper before installation ensures you get the right components, wire sizes, and configuration. With CircuitDiagramMaker, you can:
- Lay out panels, combiner boxes, charge controllers, inverters, and batteries
- Draw series and parallel connections with proper polarity
- Label voltage, current, and wire gauge at each point
- Run a simulation to verify the circuit
- Export as a PDF for your installer or permit application
Create your solar panel wiring diagram -- free
Key Takeaways
- Series wiring adds voltage and keeps current the same. Use for string inverters and long cable runs.
- Parallel wiring adds current and keeps voltage the same. Use for battery systems and shaded installations.
- Series-parallel combines both methods for large arrays.
- Shading one panel in a series string reduces the entire string's output.
- All panels in a series string must be identical.
- Size wires to keep voltage drop under 2% on DC runs.
- Follow NEC 690 requirements for grounding, overcurrent protection, rapid shutdown, and labeling.
Originally published at https://circuitdiagrammaker.app/blog/solar-panel-wiring-diagram.
