When 2 solar panels are connected in series.

• If the data sheet for a single solar panel said it produces 12 volts (for example under certain lighting conditions) into an open circuit you probably wouldn't be surprised.

• If the data sheet also told you that the maximum output current (short circuit) is 1 amp you probably wouldn't be surprised either.

• The data sheet might also tell you that the maximum output power is at 6 volts and 0.5 amps. Would that be a surprise?

So, if you put two of these solar panels in series you would expect 12 volts at a current of 0.5 amps to achieve the maximum output power. In other words, the current doesn't change if you want maximum output power.

If you tried to get 1 amp from the dual panel you would have to short out the whole panel and that means zero power.

When 2 solar panels are connected in series.

• If the data sheet for a single solar panel said it produces 12 volts (for example under certain lighting conditions) into an open circuit you probably wouldn't be surprised.

• If the data sheet also told you that the maximum output current (short circuit) is 1 amp you probably wouldn't be surprised either.

• The data sheet might also tell you that the maximum output power is at 6 volts and 0.5 amps. Would that be a surprise?

So, if you put two of these solar panels in series you would expect 12 volts at a current of 0.5 amps to achieve the maximum output power. In other words, the current doesn't change if you want maximum output power.

If you tried to get 1 amp from the dual panel you would have to short out the whole panel and that means zero power.

One solar panel: -

^{simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab}

Two solar panels will have an open circuit voltage and effective internal series resistance of 24 volts plus 24 ohms.

This means that the short circuit current is 24 volts / 24 ohms = 1 amp.