Solar Panel Voltage Output Explained

By Manual Thomas

Last Updated:

How much voltage can a solar panel produce?

This question gets asked a lot, so let’s help clear things up.

The solar panel output voltage depends on the efficiency of the solar cell used, the number of solar cells in series, the intensity and the angle of the sunlight received, and the temperature.

But before getting into what is the average solar panel voltage output, first, you must know that there are 3 types of voltages in photovoltaic (solar electric) systems:

  1. Open Circuit Voltage (VOC)
  2. Maximum Power Voltage (VMP or VPM)
  3. Nominal Voltage

Each one of them is measured under different conditions and has a different purpose.

And in this article, you will discover each one’s definition, what factors affect it, and how much voltage can solar panels produce.

After reading this article, you will know everything there is to know about solar panel output voltage, so let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

  • Solar panels’ open circuit voltage (VOC) is between 21.7V and 43.2V depending on the number of solar cells in series.
  • Solar panels’ maximum power voltage (VMP) is between 18V and 36V depending on the number of solar cells in series.
  • Solar panels have a nominal voltage of 12V, 18V, 20V, or 24V.
Nominal VoltageVOCVMPNumber of Solar Cells in Series
12V21.6V18V36
18V28.8V24V48
18V32.4V27V54
20V36V30V60
24V43.2V36V72
Solar panels voltage output

Types of Solar Panel Output Voltages

1. Open Circuit Voltage (VOC)

Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) in Solar Panels
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) in Solar Panels by PV Education

Open circuit voltage is the maximum voltage that a solar panel can produce and it occurs when there is no external load connected to the solar cell, so all the generated electricity is used to overcome the cell’s internal resistance.

In simple terms, it’s measured when the solar panel is not connected to any devices or appliances.

The open circuit voltage has 3 uses:

First, it’s used to measure a solar panel’s maximum power output potential.

Secondly, it can be used as a reference voltage for the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithms in solar charge controllers.

Finally, it can be used to calculate the temperature-corrected VOC.

How Much Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) Does a Solar Panel Produce?

Number of Solar Cells in SeriesOpen Circuit Voltage
3621.6V
4828.8V
5432.4V
6036V
7243.2V
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) Output of a Solar Panel

2. Maximum Power Voltage (VMP)

Maximum Power Voltage (VMP) in Solar Panels
Maximum Power Voltage (VMP) in Solar Panels by PV Education

The maximum power voltage (VMP) is the voltage when the solar panel is connected to a load and is operating at its maximum power output under Standard Test Conditions (STC).

In short, it’s the point where the solar panel produces the most watts and it’s usually 70%-80% lower than the open circuit voltage (VOC).

How Much Maximum Power Voltage (VMP) Does a Solar Panel Produce?

Number of Solar Cells in SeriesMaximum Power Voltage (VMP
3618V
4824V
5427V
6030V
7236V
Open Circuit Voltage (VOC) Output of a Solar Panel

3. Nominal Voltage

The nominal voltage is not a real voltage that can be measured, it’s simply an approximate voltage to help you match equipment.

This voltage is based on the nominal voltages of the devices that are often connected to the solar panel, such as charge controllers, inverters, batteries, other solar panels, and loads.

For example, if you need a solar panel to charge your 12V battery, you can simply buy a 12V solar panel and it will work perfectly fine.

While the nominal voltage can be different than the actual operating voltage, it will still be in the same ballpark.

For example, a 12V battery can have an operating voltage of 11.5V or 14V, but it will still be called a 12V battery.

The same goes for solar panels, the actual operating voltage of a 12V solar panel might be 13V, 17V, or even 23V, all these volts will still be in the operating range of a 12V solar panel and will charge your 12V battery just fine.

In short, the nominal voltage is simply used as an approximate voltage to help you match equipment more conveniently.

What Is the Nominal Voltage of Most Solar Panels?

The most common solar panel nominal voltages are 12V and 24V solar panels.

What Affects Solar Panel Voltage Output?

1. Solar Cell Efficiency

The efficiency of the solar cell is defined as the ratio of the electrical power output of the cell to the incident light power.

The higher the solar cell efficiency, the more voltage the cell can produce from the same amount of sunlight.

2. Solar Cell Size

Bigger solar cells mean a bigger surface area.

This increases the number of photons that hit the cell, thus, it increases the voltage output per square foot.

3. Number of Solar Cells in the Panel and How They Are Connected

Solar panels can have anywhere from 36 to 72 solar cells connected together.

But what really affects the solar panel voltage output is how they are connected together.

In solar systems, solar cells are connected together in series or in parallel.

When you connect solar cells in series, the voltage of the solar panel will increase.

But when you connect solar cells in parallel, the current of the solar panel will increase while the voltage stays the same.

So, if you want to increase the solar panel voltage output, you need to connect more cells in series.

4. Sunlight Intensity

The amount of sunlight that hits the solar panel also affects the solar panel voltage output.

More sunlight means more photons and more electricity produced.

5. Sunlight Angle

The angle of the sun’s rays affects the solar panel voltage output.

When the sun is at a low angle, the sunlight has to travel through more atmosphere, which means that some of the photons are scattered and don’t make it to the solar panel.

This results in lower voltage output.

Solar panels work best when they are perpendicular to the sun’s rays, as this is where they receive the most direct sunlight.

6. Temperature

Solar work best when they are cool.

This is because the higher the temperature, the higher the resistance of the solar cell’s materials and the more electricity is lost as heat.

Solar panels have something called temperature coefficient which defines the percentage of solar power lost for every degree Celsius above 25°C (77°F).

So, if you want to increase the solar panel voltage output, you need to keep the solar panel cool.

Conclusion

The average 12V solar panel produces around 17 volts but keep in mind that this output voltage is affected by many factors, so it’s not always possible to get the exact voltage you want.

In the end, we really hope you enjoyed the article as much as we did.

If you have any questions about solar panels, please share them with us in the comments section below.

Manual Thomas

Manual is an accomplished electrical engineer with seven years of experience in the solar industry. He has worked on a wide range of solar projects, from small residential installations to large commercial systems. When he’s not working on solar projects, Manual enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active. He is also an avid reader and enjoys learning about new technologies.er content writer

Also Read

What Can a 300 Watt Solar Panel Run

What Can a 300 Watt Solar Panels Run

One of the best things about solar panels is that you can use them to ...

Read more

Can You Overcharge a Battery With a Solar Panel

Can You Overcharge a Battery With a Solar Panel?

Many people are wondering if solar panels can overcharge a battery. The answer to that ...

Read more

how do solar panels work

How Do Solar Panels Work? [Step By Step Guide]

No doubt, solar energy is one of the best -if not the best- source of ...

Read more

Can You Get Electrocuted From Solar Panels

Can You Get Electrocuted From Solar Panels?

We all know solar panels are a great way to save money on your electric ...

Read more

Solar Panel Car Roof

Solar Panel Car Roof: Everything You Need to Know

Adding solar panels to your car can help reduce emissions and save you money on ...

Read more

solar panels for mobile homes

How Many Solar Panels Do I Need For My RV?

Do you have an RV? Are you thinking of taking it on the road this ...

Read more

4 thoughts on “Solar Panel Voltage Output Explained”

    • It’s the capacity of the battery (how much electricity it can hold).
      Basically, if the battery is full, and you’re using 10A of electricity per hour, the 2,500Ah battery would last 250 hours. If you’re using 50A of electricity per hour, then the battery will last for 50 hours, and so on.

      Reply
  1. The Pecron 600LFP has a solar range of 32-95v. If I must reach the min. of 32v, I add the v of two panels of 20.4v for 40.8v, correct? I still get charge from just one panel at below the 32v min. That’s good, I just wonder why, or do I misunderstand.

    Thanks, Tim

    Reply

Leave a Comment