Connecting different solar panels together ?

[wizard]

I have 18 watt and 65 watt solar panels which I would like to connect together to the charge controller - as I have only one charge controller!

The smaller panel has an operating voltage of 15 volts and the larger one 16.5 volts.

So the question is will it work or not.
Thanks for any help.

 

[simonfraser]

i don't think it matters, the benefit of two is that at least one might not be in the shade

 

[mskelton747]

Hi, connecting the pannels will not be an issue so long as each has a voltage protection diode so that the current from either does no damage the other. You also need to be sure how you conect them. Only connect them in parallel and never in series. As the previous note said two pannels should ensure a good charge and when both running at optimum performance the batter should charge faster due to the increase in current.