Build a 60 Watt Solar Panel

Step 10 Interconnect the two half panels

Wires to connect the two half panels together were run through the vent holes in the central divider. Again, blobs of silicone caulk were used to anchor the wire in place and prevent it from flopping around.

Comments

[Nick Dolan]

And this is just the same copper wire from earlier?

[mnc_co_uk]

just to clarify, wattage(otherwise known as power) is volts * amps. Connecting panels in parallel or series will both increase wattage. However it does give you the abilty to adjust your current / voltage rating. Say you had 2 equal panels they both give 12volts 5amps. connected in series would give you a overall solar panel of 24volts 5amps. connected in parallel they would give 12volts 10amps. Combined in either combination would give power of 120watts.

[alex young]

Hi how are u your project looks real good. What I dont understand yet is how u arrive at the current. U show how each cell add up and produce 18volts but how do I know how much current I will get when I am finish and how do I increase the current (wattage )Thank u

[articice]

To increase wattage connect two panels (or two sets of panels) in parallel. This is described in any school physics textbook ;)

[Goulosh]

Alex,
The current of your solar panel depends on the cells you are using. Usually the bigger the cell, the more current you can expect to get out of it. Go to http://solarwindsusa.com/catalog/index.php for some good quality cells at a good price.