How to Hook Up Batteries to Solar Panel

How to Hook Up Batteries to Solar Panel
Written By
Chris Deziel
Chris Deziel
Published: Mar 16, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • PV charge controller
  • Deep-cycle solar batteries
  • Battery cables

To avoid overcharging the batteries, these fluctuations must be regulated by a PV charge controller installed between the panels and the battery bank. Also, for the batteries to use the charge generated by the panels, the voltage of the bank must be the same as the listed output from the panels.

  1. Connect the solar panel configuration to a PV charge controller. This controller conditions the uncertain voltage from the panel so that it can be used to charge the batteries. It also protects the batteries from overcharging and protects the panel from the batteries when the sun goes down. Choose one with a low passive current draw so that the batteries will remain charged when the sun is down and there is no load.

  2. Configure the battery bank to the same voltage as the listed output voltage of the panels by connecting the batteries together in series, parallel or both. Remember that wiring two batteries in series doubles the voltage while wiring them in parallel maintains the voltage of one battery, but doubles the capacity of the bank.

  3. Create a 12-volt bank from 12-volt batteries by wiring all the batteries in parallel, connecting all the positive terminals and all the negative terminals to each other.

  4. Create a 24-volt bank by wiring pairs of 12V batteries in series. Do this by connecting the positive terminal of one to the negative of the other. Connect these pairs together in parallel to form the bank.

  5. Create a 48-volt bank by wiring sets of four 12V batteries in series, and then connecting the sets in parallel to form the bank.

  6. Connect the positive and negative terminals of the battery bank to the designated terminals on the PV charge controller and connect the controller to an inverter, following the wiring diagram on the controller. The inverter will convert the DC battery current to 110V AC household power.

References

Tips

Use the same size and length of battery cable to make all battery connections.

Store the batteries in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location and maintain them regularly.

Higher voltage systems are efficient over longer distances and require smaller gauge wire. Consider this when purchasing your panels and sizing your battery bank.

Warnings

Batteries that are fully charged can deliver a severe electrical shock.

Photo Credits

Solar energy image by lefebvre_jonathan from Fotolia.com

Solar energy image by lefebvre_jonathan from Fotolia.com

Chris Deziel

Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. As a landscape builder,…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.