
Marie Verdeil, Kris De Decker
50W panel or several smaller ones (two 25W or
five 10W) and wire them together in parallel.
Using several smaller panels is not the
cheapest option because smaller panels cost
more per watt of peak power. However, it might
be the only way to fit them where you want; my
windowsill is too narrow for a 60W solar panel,
but I can fit three 20W panels next to each other.
IN SERIES
You can also wire solar panels in series. Their
voltage output is combined, but their current
output remains the same. This allows you to
power 24V devices with 12V solar panels. Of
course, you may just as well get a 24V solar
panel. It’s best ...