I'm a total newbie when it comes to solar power and I recently got a set of foldable 220W solar panels. I figured that the simplest option would be to just buy more of the same panels. However, I've come across some really tempting deals on different panels. I'm wondering if 200W panels would be sufficient to pair with my existing ones. And is there a way to make 400W panels work alongside what I currently have? I'm eager to learn, so any advice would really help!
2 Answers
If you're thinking of connecting panels in parallel, watch out for their open-circuit voltage (OCV) — they need to be the same. Otherwise, you might end up wasting energy. For series connections, the voltages add up, but the current is capped at the lowest panel's short-circuit current. It’s crucial to get that right to ensure efficiency!
The compatibility really depends on your power station's capacity and specs. If your station can handle a higher wattage, then there's a good chance you can mix different panels, but consider the specifics. You need to make sure the settings match up, like voltage, to avoid issues down the line.