The voltage output of a single solar cell under Standard Test Conditions (STC) is approximately 0.5 volts. To increase the overall voltage, these cells are connected in series within a solar panel. Solar panels generate Direct Current (DC) power, whereas most household appliances operate on Alternating Current (AC) power.
The power that one cell produces is, in other words, approximately 1.38 watts (voltage multiplied by current). A solar panel consists of a collection of solar cells. In terms of the voltage required by solar panels to charge batteries, manufactured panels can charge 12 volt or 24-volt batteries as a rule of thumb.
Wattage, measured in watts (W), is the product of voltage and amperage (W = V x A). It represents the total power output of a solar panel. Understanding wattage is essential for determining how much energy a solar panel can produce and, consequently, how much power your devices or appliances can draw from it.
A 12-volt solar panel giving a peak output of approximately 18 volts will be enough to charge a 12-volt battery (with the solar charge regulator regulating the voltage). A power inverter converts the DC (direct current) power to regular household volt AC (alternating current), from which you can run most of your household appliances.
Micro or Mini = 0.5 – 5.0 volts. Small = 6.0 – 12.0 volts. Medium = 12.0 – 24 volts. Large = Over 24.0 volts. These ranges are not official designations. They are general terms for panels at various power levels.
Solar panels produce volts when exposed to the sun. But, that is only part of the equation. Panels also produce amps. In most cases, panels are rated in watts. Watts are the result of the number of volts multiplied by the number of amps. Solar panels are rated by the work they can do measured in watts.