Solar Array Diode

Have I destroyed my solar panels?

I had a little confusion today when connecting solar panels in to my inverter. Basicly I lost my cable markings and tried tracing the cables the best I could. I had two strings of pannels. When I connected my cables together (for my Isc short circuit current test) I Got some really low readings (0.2a) Later on I discovered that I had connected my cables incorrectly. I have a feeling that I connected both the negative ends together and both the positive ends together. Would this destroy the panels? If so, would I have destroyed the diode inside each panel or the whole array? Please help, Im sweating on this one! D

It's unlikely that any lasting damage has occurred.

I've seen panels improperly installed in a loop, and left for a day. Nothing happened. A panel can be short circuited indefinitely, and nothing happens. Theoretically, there may be a fuse inside each panel that would blow on extreme overcurrent, but in practice, you would really have to try hard to make it blow.

Just disconnect the panels and wire them properly; things will be fine.

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How Can I Build A Cheap Solar Panel To Power My Home

3 Solar Panel Battery Wiring Samples

Depending on your needs, you may have to use some or all of the following tools and materials: solar panel(s), 12V "car battery" (deep-cycle lead-acid battery), diodes, insulated wire, wire cutters, pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers.

Let's imagine that you bought a solar panel with a certain maximum output voltage and certain amperage. Now you need to hook it up to a battery. All batteries have specific amp ratings. You will need to determine how many panels will charge your battery adequately.

Once you do the calculations, you will need to either connect the panels straight to the battery, or use a diode in between. It is better to use a diode between your cell(s) and the battery, especially in the systems larger than 12V. If you do not use a diode, your battery may discharge at night. What diode will you need to use? You need a diode of the same (or more) amps as your panel.

3 Solar Panel Battery Wiring Samples

1. Connecting Solar Panel and Battery (Without a Diode):

- Panel's "plus" to battery's "plus".
- Panel’s "minus" to battery's "minus".

2. Connecting Several Panels in Parallel (for more power), and then to a Battery:

- Each panel's "plus" to other panel's "plus", and so on.
- Each panel's "minus" to other panel's "minus", and so on.
- The last panel's wires to the battery (follow the two steps from the 1st example).

To calculate the total amperage of your array, add the amp outputs together. Voltage stays the same.

3. Connecting Solar Panel, Diode, and Battery:

- Panel's "plus" to diode's "in".
- Diode's "out" (the end with a black or silvered line) to battery's "plus".
- Panel's "minus" to battery's "minus".

Notes about Solar Panel Battery Wiring:

1. Remember, going below the battery's voltage will not charge the battery fully.

2. Note that a diode will decrease the voltage.

3. Some lead-acid batteries may need a regulator providing certain voltage in order to leave them on forever, without an overcharge damaging the battery. Otherwise you will need to switch your battery off manually when it's fully charged.

When your solar panel starts to produce energy, this energy can either dissipate or be diverted into a battery for your future needs. Many people choose to use systems with batteries, which allow for a power backup. You can also use batteries for your outdoor equipment (golf carts, tractors, motor boats) and various portable devices (laptops, cameras, cell phones, electric fans).

However, remember that you don't necessarily need to use batteries in your home system. You can have the energy generated by the panels fed into the grid, thus eliminating the need for any batteries.

About the Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.solarpanelmanual.com which focuses
on solar energy. Please visit his web site to learn more about solar panel battery wiring.