Part 3.3, Connecting solar panels in series vs. parallel

The voltage and current effects of connecting solar PV panels in series and parallel
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What is the difference between mono and poly solar panels? Why should I care?

In this video, we will go through the differences between the two most common types of solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Although there are quite a few differences, in the end it is not a big deal and not something you should lose sleep over. Still, it is best to go into the decision knowing the pros and cons so you can get the best bang for your buck.

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40 thoughts on “Part 3.3, Connecting solar panels in series vs. parallel”

  1. I am sorry, HAHAHAHA… You said that the positive goes to the negative, when in fact scientist found that it is the other way around. how ever the math is still the same You see the so called – is not negative but is a positive, scientist found this out when trying to recharge batteries with solar panels. "Or so said the internet." How ever ether way works, all the math is the same so long as you use it the same. If it comes up as negative that just mean's it's a positive on a multi meter. So in reality this comment does not give any purposes but to be a comment with no meaning…
    Comment you are so lame <— I Wanna see this as my replies.

    Reply
  2. That was so confusing… I know no more after watching this than before.. how about slowing down and explain things better for the layman.. An electrician would probably understand this completely. make it a 3 part series so you can explain better what you are talking about. this reminds me of talking with a used car salesman.

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  3. this helped so much with wrapping my head around the fundamentals of a project i intend to build , a solar rc glider . I've seen many examples but never a comprehendable description of that thanks . i was lost for a min but after abit of rewatching and the end results make perfect sense . thanks

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  4. Anyone out there who wants to know a simple explination of connecting solar panels together. This is NOT. And that is not "not" joke.

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  5. Here's a uestion I been wondering…. Is it better for me to use (3) – 100 watt panels or just buy (1) – 24v 300W panel ?

    I am a just starting out newbie… I have a MPPT 20A Controller, 100ah amg Battery and the system is 12V
    and a (2000/4000 Pure Sine Inverter)

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  6. Both serial and parallel connection have their advantages and dis-advantages. In serial you get higher voltage and thereby lower wire loss. But the downside of serial connection, is that it is very vulnerabel to shading. So if just a tiny part of one panel is shaded, then the total power output will drop significantly.
    On the other hand, parallel connection gives lower voltage, and thereby more wire loss. But is much less vulnerabel to shading.
    More info about shading of panels here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofo1HQyGG8s

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  7. Yes, it was real helpful because what I needed to know was at the end. I had 2 strings of panels in series and the two strings were then connected in parallel. I wanted to find out if I could add a 5th panel to one of the strings, but no, that would make the voltage uneven, that's what I needed to know. Thanks

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  8. please tell me how to know the diode power in function to panel type and watt,amper,volt?,i apreciate if you have one link .for example i want to put in series two panel 2x 150W(or another power)how know to buy witch diode is good?

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  9. Hi LDS . I see 100watt solar panels rated at 12V but a lot of 200watt ones are 18volt. Are the 18volt ones better to use for off grid homes?

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  10. Ok so I’m doing a science assignment and I’m doing it on two different panels found on solar garden lights and seeing which one stays on longer but I’m not sure what panels I’m dealing with at first I though mono poly but now I’m beginning to rethink the name of the lights are: gardenglo 35cm garden light and Alerc Elinor led solar path light. The Alerc one has a blue panel and the gardenglo one is black with small lines running through it

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  11. this is confusing because i have many compaines data sheets say they both same temperature degradiation!!!

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  12. I'm looking to wire my own panels and just buying the solar cells. Can anyone reccomend specific companies? I've only found reviews on panels, not cells. Thanks!

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  13. great info. thanks. as for the mono being cheaper, is that calculated on a per square foot basis, or a per watt basis? since they are more efficient, it is possible that they are more expressive per foot, but cheaper per watt. or maybe it's a wash???

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  14. Mono: More expensive, Generally black, more efficient, better in low light, more heat tolerant.

    Poly: Cheaper, Generally blue, less efficient, worse in low light, less heat tolerant.

    If your very concerned about cost, poly is where you want to go.

    If you want the most efficiency, better looks, go to mono.

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  15. It's a hard choice. I went w/ mono for size and heat reasons. I did not know I was going to be in a cloud bank or would have gone w/ poly. I still have the heat issue though and have my doubts as to how long I will stay here, so could end up w/ more sun in the future. I find the better option is just double the panels to make up for clouds. Other than that very happy w/ the mono. ones!

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  16. I do have a question. Why do solar panel manufacturers stick to blue or black? those panels dont absorb all light waves. Why not make the panels out of a different color so they do absorb all colors?

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  17. You need to label better. On the panel diagram (about 1:20), you should label each panel so your viewers don't guess. Is the mono panel on the left or the right? We have to guess. Also, a national average cost per watt between the two types would be helpful; otherwise, it seems you'd always pick mono.,

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  18. Mono do beater in cooler places. My mono do will in the winter but in the summer my pol out do the hands down. I live in SC where in the summer it can be 110 F with 95% humidity to 100%. I do not know if that has much to do with it or nit. Just know the pols make more power in full sun and the mono make more in shade or in cloud cover.

    It's nuts just how much pv has come down. 10 years about I payed 6 bucks a watt. Now it's what 80 cents lol.

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  19. I'm wondering. I've heard that solar panel production can genetate quite a bit of local pollusion. Is there a difference in these manufacturing styles in that regard. I'm all solar but as I understand it you would not want to live close to the factories.

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  20. soooo poly is what is on thin film and what Tesla is putting out on roof shingles? which is better film or panels?

    Reply

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