Connecting batteries in parallel keeps the voltage of the whole pack the same but multiply the storage capacity and energy in Reserve Capacity (RC) or Ampere hour (Ah) and Watt hour (Wh). Paralleling batteries of the same voltage increases your available energy by adding more energy reservoirs.
If Connecting batteries in parallel, link the positive terminals of all batteries together and the negative terminals together. This configuration keeps the voltage the same as that of a single battery but increases the overall capacity (Ah).
Wiring batteries in both series and parallel configurations is possible and is so beneficial that be used in many power systems. To wire batteries in a series-parallel setup, first connect pairs of batteries in series by linking the positive terminal of one battery to the negative terminal of the next.
When you connect batteries in parallel, like connecting 3 batteries in parallel, you are connecting batteries to ramp up the amp-hour capacity. The connection capacity will increase, but the voltage will not. For instance, connecting four 12-volt 100Ah batteries will provide a 12V 400Ah battery supply.
Putting batteries in parallel adds the Ah capacity, but maintains the voltage. This is common practice for many reasons. Smaller batteries can be easier to handle, are sometimes cheaper, or sometimes it’s just what’s available or in budget at the time. Whatever the reason, the following points are a MUST for anyone doing so.
Let’s explore all about Batteries in Series vs Parallel configurations: When batteries are connected in series, the positive terminal of one battery is connected to the negative terminal of another battery. The voltage adds up while the capacity (ampere-hours) remains the same. Here’s a summary of the characteristics of batteries in series: