Photo Gallery
This map from the NREL shows the solar resource potenial in the US.
This is my 4100 watt solar array each of the 10 panels is 410 watts. They are wired in a series. So as each panel is wired to the next the solar array increases in wattage, but the volts and amperage stays the same.
Solar panels can be wired a number of different ways depending on the aplication of the panels. Usually either in series or parallel or a combination of both. Individual solar cells make up each panel/module. Solar panels are made with different wattages/voltages and amperages. Each panel in the solar array must be the same wattage/volrage and amperage. Most newer panels are over 500 watts per panel. Some new panels are bifacial meaning they can collect photons on both sides of the panels.
When panels are wired in series the positive is connected to the negative connection on each panel the two negative and positive wires at the end of the series is connected to the solar combiner box and then to the solar charge controller and invertet.
Panels wired in series yield greater wattage as each panel is added, but the voltage and the amperage stay the same.
By mounting solar panels on the ground you can clean the panels easier and safer than on a roof. Keeping solar panels clean on a regular basis will help the panels yield their rated capacity.
The two positive and negative wires from the solar array are connected through the breaker box on the right. There is another breaker in the solar combiner box on the array. This breaker allows me to shut off the power from the array to work on the charge controller and inverter. To the left is the charge controller. A solar charge controller regulates the flow of electricity between solar panels and batteries. The 48 volt inverter on the far left converts from DC coming from the panels to AC.