Solar guide
Solar input limits without the guesswork
Panel wattage is only one part of compatibility. Open-circuit voltage, operating voltage, current, wiring and connector polarity all matter.
Start with the station's input window
Find the minimum and maximum input voltage, maximum input current and maximum solar wattage in the current official manual. Never exceed the maximum open-circuit voltage, including the voltage increase that can occur in cold weather.
Series and parallel change different things
| Connection | Voltage | Current | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series | Adds | Stays near one panel | Exceeding voltage limit |
| Parallel | Stays near one panel | Adds | Exceeding current limit or mismatched panels |
Two ports may not mean two controllers
Some power stations present two solar sockets that are wired into one combined controller. Mixing panels with substantially different operating voltages can reduce production or create an unsafe configuration. Treat the manual as authoritative, not the number of sockets on the case.
Why a 400W panel rarely produces 400W
Standard test conditions are controlled laboratory conditions. Panel angle, temperature, haze, shade, cable loss and the station's charging curve all reduce real output. For planning, distinguish panel nameplate wattage from measured input under stated conditions.