Solar panels, when hooked together in an array can be wired in series, in parallel or both. The way you decide to wire your system together will be determined by your system's size, that is, 12 volt, 24 volt or 48 volt. When wired in series, the negative terminal of one panel is wired to the positive terminal of another panel, like batteries in your car. This increases the voltage, but has no effect on the amperage. Two 12-volt / 3.5-amp panels wired in series would produce 24 volts at 3.5 amps. Similarly, four 12-volt / 3.5 amp panels wired this way would produce 48 volts at 3.5 amps.
When wired in parallel, the terminals are wired together positive to positive and negative to negative. Wiring this way would have no effect on the voltage but does increase the amperage. Two 12-volt / 3.5-amp panels wired together in parallel would produce 12 volts at 7.0 amps, and four panels wired together in parallel would produce 12 volts at 14.0 amps.
See the list to the right for complete information about how to build your own solar-powered system.
Units called power centers are available to simplify hooking up the various components of your energy system. They can include, all in one enclosure and pre-wired: your charge controller, circuit breakers, fuses, PV array and battery disconnects, shunts and meters. A good power center will also include easy connection points for your battery, inverter and PV connection cables. Talk to your local supplier about recommended power stations for your area, ones that have already met the local zoning requirements and electrical and building codes.