Wiring solar panels in parallel for a 12V system

You can achieve this in three different ways:

• The first way is to simply connect both of the positive terminals of the solar panels to the positive input of the regulator and similarly for the negative terminals. If the regulator has screw terminals, then you may need to cut the plastic insulation to fit the bare cable in and connect.
  
• The second way is to purchase a solar branch connector. This is used to join the now standard MC4 connectors that are connected to all off-grid solar panels. Simply plug both of the positive MC4 terminals from the two solar panels into one connector and both negative MC4 terminals into the other. You can then wire two separate cables into your controller, instead of four. The extra solar cable with MC4 connections on one side only, and the double cable entry gland for a waterproof entry may be useful.
• The final way you can achieve the same outcome to increase your charging current for a 12V battery system, is to purchase an MPPT controller. You can find out more about this in our article about choosing the correct controller.

                                        Two 12V solar panels wired in parallel to charge a 12V battery bank

Need to know more? Take a look at:

• Wiring two panels in series for 24V systems
• Selecting the correct cables, fuses and connectors
  
• Wiring up an inverter
• PWM or MPPT? Choosing the right regulator for off-grid systems