How to Wire 8 Solar Panels for the RPS 800 System: A Simple Guide
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In this step-by-step guide we are going to show you how to properly wire eight solar panels for your RPS 800 submersible well pump system.
Understanding Your Solar Panel Wiring
Every 100-watt solar panel has a positive male MC4 connector and a negative female MC4 connector on the back. The RPS 200 and 400 systems typically require connecting your panels from the positive terminal to the negative terminal. This is called wiring in “series” and doing this increases the voltage of your array by adding the voltage of each panel together which adds up to about 22 volts Vmp per panel. This method works well for up to four panels, but using more than four in series with an RPS Universal Pump Controller can potentially damage the controller due to excessive voltage.
Parallel Wiring for Solar Panels
Typically to avoid adding voltage from each panel when dealing with more than four, the panels should be wired in “parallel”. This is when you connect the positive terminal of one panel to the positive terminal of another, and similarly for the negative terminals. This connection is done using a Y connector, or other adapters. However, For the RPS 800 simply doing this will not produce enough volts for the system to operate.
Wiring for the RPS 800 System
To meet the voltage requirements for the RPS 800 system, we’ll need to use a combination of both series and parallel connections. This might sound complicated, but it’s easier than you think.
First, wire two separate strings of four panels in series. This means connecting the positive terminal to the negative terminal of the next panel. You can start from either the top or the bottom of your string, but make sure to follow the same direction for both strings.
Once both strings are wired in series, you will have two unconnected negative MC4 connectors on one end and two unconnected positive MC4 connectors on the other.
Next, use a Y connector to join both positive connectors together, and another Y connector to join the negative connectors together. After making these connections, you can connect both Y connectors into the controller.
Adjusting for Different Installations
The video above shows you how to install your eight panels on a Back40 Solar 8P adjustable top of pole mount kit, but if you are using some other configuration just remember the same logic applies. For example, if you have eight panels mounted next to one another in a single row, you can achieve the intended voltage by wiring your two strings of panels in series, skipping every other panel. Then, connect your leftover male and female connectors at each end, using Y-connectors just as before.
We hope this guide has been helpful in assisting you to properly wire your eight solar panels for your RPS 800 system.
