Solar Panel Maximum Voltage Calculator

This tool is used to estimate the maximum voltage a solar panel array can produce under certain conditions, which is vital in properly sizing your solar system's components such as the charge controller and inverter.

Solar Panel Maximum Voltage Calculator

Solar Panel Spec #1

Open circuit voltage (V_oc)

You can usually find this number on a label on the back of the solar panel.

Error: This field is required.

Quantity

How many of this panel are you wiring in series? (If you're wiring different solar panels together, use the "Add a Panel" button below to add panels with different specs.)

Error: This field is required.

Temperature coefficient of V_oc

Optional: You can sometimes find this number on a label on the back of the solar panel. It should be a negative number.

Error: This field is required if your lowest expected temperature is less than -40°F (-40°C) or greater than 76°F (24°C).

Lowest expected temperature

This should be the lowest temperature you expect your solar array to experience in daylight. It is common to use the lowest recorded temperature for your location.

Error: This field is required.

Recommended charge controller:

Note: Based on your inputs, this charge controller has a suitable maximum PV voltage for your solar array. However, it may not be the right option for your setup based on other factors such as current rating and battery bank voltage, so check that it meets all your other requirements before going with this option.

How to Use

Enter the Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) of a Single Panel: This is the maximum voltage that a solar panel can produce when it's not connected to a load (that is, when it's under full sunlight but not supplying power to anything). This value is typically found on the panel's product datasheet.
Enter the Number of Panels in Series: In a series configuration, the voltages of individual panels add up. Specify how many panels you plan to install in series.
Enter the Lowest Expected Ambient Temperature: The voltage output of solar panels increases as the temperature decreases. This is why we use the lowest expected temperature to calculate the maximum voltage. The value you input here should be in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, as per the calculator's requirement.
Click "Calculate Max Voltage": After you've filled in all the necessary fields, hit the "Calculate Max Voltage" button.
Read the Results: The calculator will then display the maximum voltage that your solar panel array can theoretically produce under the conditions you specified.

Knowing this maximum voltage is crucial as it helps you select the correct equipment for your system. For instance, the input voltage rating of your charge controller and inverter must be higher than the maximum voltage from your panels to handle voltage spikes and prevent damage.

Please note, these calculations are based on standard conditions and may not completely account for real-world factors such as shading, dust, aging of the panels, and more. It's always a good idea to add a safety margin and consult with a solar power professional when designing your system.

You can also make use of our solar load calculator to determine your needs and find all the solar & electrical calculators we created in order to help you plan, size and install your own solar power system here.

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