Series or Parallel circuits for 1) low voltage/high current device and 2) high voltage/low current device?

Question

Imagine you have several solar cells which can be arranged in series or in parallel. Which arrangement would you choose for the following application and explain WHY please.

1) Low voltage, high current device

2) High voltage, low current decice

Refer to Load resistance = V/I, series resistance = R1 + R2 and parallel resistance = 1/R = 1/R1 + 1/R2.

I am currently thinking in series for device 1 and in parallel for device 2, since in series the voltage is shared but the current is not so it should be higher and vice versa for parallel? I'm not sure how resistance can be related though.

Answer 1

(1) For this application connect the solar cells in parallel. The voltage will remain the same no matter how many solar cells you connect in parallel , however the current furnishing  capability will increase each time you add a solar cell.  Thus you will minimize the voltage output and maximize the current furnishing capabilities by connecting the solar cells in parallel.

(2)  For this application connect the solar cells in series. The voltage will increase by the voltage value of one solar cell each time you add a solar cell. The current furnishing capability will remain the same no matter how many solar cells you add in series. Thus you will maximize the voltage output and minimize the current furnishing capability by connecting the solar cells in series.

The above statements hold true for any given load resistance.

Answer 2

For low voltage, high current  circuit demand, connect your batteries in PARALLEL but your batteries must have the same or equal voltages.

For high voltage, low current circuit demand, your batteries must be connected in SERIES. The current drain from the batteries will be determined by your load (resistance).

Please take note of Ohm's Law that R=E/I, Current, Voltage and Resistance are always inter-related with each other.