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Can you mix 12-volt and 24-volt solar panels?

Yes, you can mix 12-volt and 24-volt solar panels in the same system, but it’s not recommended without proper configuration, as it can result in inefficiencies or cause damage to the system components.

To mix solar panels with different voltage ratings, you can either connect them in parallel using a solar charge controller with a multi-voltage input, or you can use DC-DC converters for each panel before connecting them in parallel.

Here’s an example to illustrate how to connect a 12-volt and a 24-volt solar panel in parallel using a multi-voltage charge controller:

  • Solar Panel 1: 12V, 200W
  • Solar Panel 2: 24V, 200W
  • Battery Bank: 24V

Step 1: Choose a solar charge controller with a multi-voltage input

You need a solar charge controller that can handle different input voltages (in this case, 12V and 24V) and can output the desired voltage for your battery bank (24V).

For example, you can choose an MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) charge controller, which can efficiently handle this configuration.

Step 2: Calculate the total current

To size the charge controller, calculate the total current generated by both solar panels.

Current for Solar Panel 1 (I1) = Power (P) / Voltage (V) = 200W / 12V = 16.67A

Current for Solar Panel 2 (I2) = Power (P) / Voltage (V) = 200W / 24V = 8.33A

Total Current (Itotal) = I1 + I2 = 16.67A + 8.33A = 25A

Choose an MPPT charge controller rated for at least 25A and capable of handling different input voltages (e.g., 12-60V input range).

Step 3: Connect the solar panels to the charge controller

Connect the positive terminal of Solar Panel 1 to the positive input of the charge controller. Connect the positive terminal of Solar Panel 2 to another positive input of the charge controller. Repeat this for the negative terminals.

The MPPT charge controller will take care of the voltage differences and charge the 24V battery bank efficiently.

Keep in mind that mixing solar panels with different voltage ratings can lead to inefficiencies if not done correctly.

It is always recommended to use panels with the same voltage and power ratings to maximize the efficiency of your solar system.