Series wiring connects panels end to end as one string. This page preserves two archived illustrations: a complete camper-van electrical-system example and a simpler four-panel drawing. Read the solar portion separately from the battery and charging circuits.
Read The Two Drawings
The first illustration is branded Vanlife Outfitters and marked Version 2.0, February 2022. Its solar section at the bottom shows two panels in series; the rest of the sheet places that array within a larger example containing batteries, alternator charging and shore power. Those other circuits do not define the solar connection type.
The second illustration, branded Charge Solar, shows four panels in a single string. Each is labelled 12 volts and 5 amps, with the output labelled 48 volts and 5 amps.
Understand The Series String
For matched panels in the simplified series model, panel voltages add while the string current remains at the panel-current level. The nominal voltage printed on a drawing is different from the panel datasheet’s open-circuit voltage (Voc). Controller selection must account for the array’s cold-condition open-circuit voltage and the applicable controller limits.
When keeping a design record, list the exact panel model, number of panels per string, controller model and source-document revision. Preserve unresolved shading, routing and equipment questions with that record rather than copying the full-system example as a parts list.
For the underlying series/parallel principles, see Victron Energy’s Wiring Unlimited: DC wiring. Check the instructions for the exact equipment being considered.
Compare The Arrangements
Compare the series diagram, parallel diagram and two-series, two-parallel diagram. Keep the selected drawing, panel datasheet and controller manual together in the van-build decision log.
Reference guide expanded October 20, 2026. Original publication date and archived references retained.