What effect do series PV connections have on voltage?

In a series connection, photovoltaic (PV) modules are connected end to end, which means the positive terminal of one module is connected to the negative terminal of the next. This configuration results in the addition of the voltages from each individual module.

For instance, if you have two PV panels, each producing 30 volts, when connected in series, the total voltage of the system becomes 60 volts. This characteristic makes series connections particularly useful for increasing voltage levels, which can be beneficial for certain applications, such as matching the input voltage requirements of an inverter.

While series connections do increase the overall system voltage, it is important to manage this increased voltage carefully to ensure compatibility with system components and to avoid potential issues related to overvoltage.