solar panel wiring

[Dr]

Can someone please verify that this solar panel is properly wired? I thought that the diodes were supposed to be between the positive outlet tab of the solar panel and then to the positive lead to the charge controller. here is a picture

[Magluvin]

Can someone please verify that this solar panel is properly wired? I thought that the diodes were supposed to be between the positive outlet tab of the solar panel and then to the positive lead to the charge controller. here is a picture

Well, if the system is working, then you have it hooked up right.     The diodes a in reverse bias to your + and - markings. What are the wires? From the solar panel? Output to battery?  Either way, if those terminals are properly marked as shown, then those diodes are there for safety reasons, in case of reverse connections I would say. The diodes wont affect the circuit unless a reverse potential is across those terminals. Usually when diodes are used this way, when they do conduct due to reverse voltage at the terminals, they should blow a fuse and save the day, and the diodes, along with other circuitry. So fuse everything. Batteries, solar panel leads, etc.

Mags

[crazycut06]

Hi Dr,


If your panels voltage output is same as specified eg. 12volts, then there's no problem with that diode arrangement... 


Regards
Cc

[crazycut06]

Hi all,


A little help with solar panels, am a newbie on this, just bought a 3-50w solar panels that equals to 150w total, how should i wire it for max efficiency, parallel or series? Still thinking on what grid tie inverter to purchase? Thanks in advance....


Regards
Cc

[Dr]

Hi Magluvin: thank you for your response! The picture isnt really clear enough to show my concern, the reason I am having trouble accepting this is because that center post is not hooked up to anything  EXCEPT the diodes. I thought the purpose of a diode was to prevent the electricity from flowing backwards into the panel FROM the batteries? Actually the electricity from the panels would first go to a charge controller and  from there to the batteries. I watched a tutorial on making your own solar panel, and the guy was very specific about putting a single diode between the positive side of the last cell tabbing wire and the output lead   These are new panels that just came from the factory, so you would think they got it right!!!