Solar Panels- Wired in Series vs. Parallel question

[teeznu]

So the debate between wiring panels in Series or Parallel. Please tell me the benefits of wiring either way and if there are negatives, please educate me on that as well.
Thanks to those that respond.

[JiminDenver]

Converting down the higher voltage in series will be less efficient than parallel and create more heat at the controller. You may also find issues when one of the panels are shaded.

[pianotuna]

Series wiring will almost certainly require the use of an MPPT charge controller which may be quite a bit more expensive.

How many watts are you planning on?

[hypoxia]

Series provides a higher voltage which allows the use of smaller wiring to the controller. If wire size is not a factor then parallel is best.