BatteriesDC CircuitsElectrical DesignElectrical EnergyElectrical WiringHow ToMeasuring InstrumentsPower SystemRenewable Energy

How to Wire Solar Panels in Parallel & Batteries in Series? 24V System

Wiring Batteries in Series and PV Panels in Parallel – 24V Installation

While most of the domestic PV panels installation are in 12VDC systems, there are cases where we need 24V or additionally 36V, 48V and so on depending on the system requirements.

Moreover, we need to connect the solar panels in parallel while batteries in series due to the system rating and specific environment. For example, If we have 24V solar panels as well as inverter and charge controller while the available (economically) batteries rating is 12V. We then connect the batteries in series to obtain the 24VDC system with all the related equipment related to the 24V system.

In this scenario, we will have to connect the 24V PV panels in parallel while connecting the 12V batteries in series. In this case, we will get the following electrical quantities having different ratings for both series connected batteries and parallel connected solar panels as follows.

Solar Panels in Parallel

The two parallel connected solar panels each have 24VDC, 5Amp and 120W. Current is additive in series connection while voltage is the same in each section.  Additionally, Current is different in parallel while voltage is the same in each branch in parallel connection. This way,

Current in Parallel Connected Solar panels

I1 + I2 + I3 …… In

i.e.

5Amp + 5Amp = 10Amp.

Voltage in Parallel Connected Solar Panels

V1 = V2 = V3 …… = Vn

i.e.

24V = 24V

Batteries in Series

Similarly, the batteries have inversely connected as compared to the solar panel connection i.e. batteries are connected in series. Suppose the batteries rating are 12V, 100Ah. In this case,

Current in Series Connected Batteries

I1 = I2 = I3 …… In

i.e.

100Ah = 100Ah

Voltage in Series Connected Batteries

V1 + V2 + V3 …… + Vn

i.e.

12V + 12V = 24V

Caution: Both the batteries and solar panel must be having the same Ah (Ampere-hour) and voltage levels respectively while connecting them in parallel or series connection. In simple words, Do not connect a 12V battery with a 6 V battery in series or parallel. Similarly, don’t connect the 12V solar panels with 24V solar panels in parallel or series.

Good to Know: Batteries connected in Series  will only add up the level of voltage and the Ah capacity remains the same. Alternatively, The battery storage capacity in Ah can be doubled (100Ah + 100Ah = 200Ah) by connecting them in parallel where the voltage level remains same i.e. 12V.

By following the above wiring configuration, we get the desired 24V system for all the solar panel system components.

The following wiring diagram shows that the two 24V, 5A, 120W solar panels connected in parallel will charge the two 12V, 100Ah batteries connected in series through the charge controller. Additional 24VDC load can be directly connected to the charge controller (DC output terminals).

How to Wire Solar Panel in Parallel & Batteries in Series for 24V System
Parallel Connected PV Panels with Series Connected Batteries for 24V System

During the normal sunshine/day, the solar panels can feed-up the power supply through an inverter and Auto UPS Wiring to the AC loads. During night/shading, the AC load can be powered-up through batteries (stored energy as backup power) as the batteries are connected to the inverter input as well. The whole process can be done automatically without using changeover/ATS switch or manual ON/OFF operation due to the auto operation of Inverter/UPS.

Related Posts:

Electrical Technology

All about Electrical and Electronic Engineering & Technology. Join us on WhatsApp at Electrical Technology Official Channel, to receive the latest content, articles, and updates. You can also like and follow our social media networks below, or subscribe with your email to receive premium engineering articles in your mailbox.

18 Comments

  1. Dear Sir/Madam
    I would like to do course on Solar wire and installation. Could you send me broucher with all courses that you are offering. I would also appreciate if you ould send me the prices of your equipments like silar panels and wire
    Hope and trust that you will find this request appropriate and looking forward to your positive prompt response
    Yours Sincerely
    Vincent

    1. Hi. Electrician for 20 years currently working at COJ MUNICIPALITY CITY POWER and would like to do the full course in solar power systems. Can you provide me with all course details and amounts as I would like the company to help me with payments. Any available dates from October will be good. 0814666947

  2. Thank you very much. i would like to get updates and follow you for more electrical wiring installation tutorials.

  3. Am an electrical technologies and I need more training or brochure on solar installation system both on off-grid system. I need support training on power design system.

  4. Good work. My concern is the DC voltage indicated in the charge controller output. The indicated voltage is 12v DC, But i think it should be 24V DC since the battery and solar panel output voltage is 24 V.

  5. Make sure you only deal with credible solar providers who can provide you with expert and accurate advice about the best design and installation to suit your home & budget.

  6. Dear sir, How to select system of voltage (i.,e 12v, 24V in DC) and 11KV, 22KV, 33KV system of power supply for an electrical equipment.? also can we connect Capacitor in DG and if not why?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button