The daisy chain and leapfrog wiring techniques are methods used to connect solar panels in an array.
What is Solar String ?
String in solar plant is a series of solar panels connected together to form a circuit. If in a string there is 10 modules of 40 volts then string DC voltage will be = 40×10 = 400 Volt.
What is Daisy Chain ?
A Daisy chain is a wiring method that is used in solar stringing to make a string by adding positive & negative terminal. The positive terminal of one solar panel is connected to negative terminal of the next panel. This connection continues for all panel in the string.
Key Features of Daisy Chain
1. Act as Single Circuit – The entire chain operates as a single circuit, connected to inverter or string combiner box.
2. Simple connection – This method reduces the need of complex wiring and additional components.
3. Voltage addition – Daisy chain does the voltage addition hence the total voltage oof the string increased, remaining current constant.
Disadvantage of Daisy chain Technique
1. If any of one panel in string is shaded it reduces the current and will affect the entire string.
2. In daisy chain technique cable length will always high hence the ohmic loss will be always higher side.
There is another cable wiring arrangement in solar industry that is Leapfrog method. In todays world of practice leapfrog method is too popular. Lets go to understand this wiring technique.
What is Leapfrog wiring technique ?
The Leapfrog method is a alternative technique of connecting solar modules within string to optimize the wiring complexity, reduce cable length and improve system efficiency. The Leapfrog method connects panels in Zigzag or staggered manner.
For Example –
1. Connect panel 1 to panel 3
2. Connect panel 3 to panel 5 and so on
Key Features of Leapfrog method –
1. Optimized cable length – By connecting non-adjacent panels in a Zig-zag or staggered manner this technique minimizes the total cable length.
2. Reduced Voltage Drop – Shorter cable length reduces the electrical resistance, ensure higher efficiency and better performance in the system.
3. Easier Maintenance – Easier identification of connection and easy to troubleshot issue like ground fault or performance anomalies.
For more info see my You tube video on this topic.
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