Solar panel wiring

In home construction they run plastic pipes from the attic to the basement, for future network cables. I don't see why you couldn't do it on a camper, just seal it where it goes through the roof.

Your best bet would be to decide now what the system will be and run the right gauge.

WNYBob wrote:
In home construction they run plastic pipes from the attic to the basement, for future network cables. I don't see why you couldn't do it on a camper, just seal it where it goes through the roof.

Can wires be pushed through pipes that are bent on 90 degrees when going from roof to the wall?

Thanks

Was thinking of running 2 or 3 different gauges cables and use the corresponding one for different setups but not sure what the prices are for wires and I'm on a tight budget.

Also, What will happen if I install a wire for a higher amperage and start with a lower amperage system? (in order to add to the system later

Thanks

I would do nothing until you are ready to go solar. That way you just make the hole you need for the system you are installing. Already plenty of holes in the roof. You just drill and seal it up like the rest.

I would just run 10 or 8 gague wires now while it is easy to do it. It doesn't hurt to lhave larger wire than you need other than the cost of copper and allows for future expansion. As a matter of fact the larger wire will have less voltage drop on long runs.

panamea wrote:

WNYBob wrote:
In home construction they run plastic pipes from the attic to the basement, for future network cables. I don't see why you couldn't do it on a camper, just seal it where it goes through the roof.

Can wires be pushed through pipes that are bent on 90 degrees when going from roof to the wall?

Thanks

If you're trying to push wires through conduit, you're doing it wrong.

Get the measurements for various panels then make cardboard patterns and go up there and see where and how many could fit. Just say you could get 600 watts up there, 600 watts is going to give you a max of about 30 amps. If you run an PWM controller you would be carrying more amps than if you used an mppt controller.

If I only knew that I had the potential to put 600 watts up there I would install number 6 uv protected wire through strain reliefs at the frig vent with enough extra up top and down below to reach your possible combiner box and controller near the battery. If you said you can only get 300 watts up there I would then probably use 10 gauge.

If you want to go through the roof you could use something like this but there may be better quality others available. It's just an example of how to go through the roof. Some also go down the vent pipe using strain reliefs.

"Was thinking of running 2 or 3 different gauges cables"

If you had 25 amps coming from your panels to controller within 12 feet, 8 gauge wire would be appropriate. I'm using 8 for 10 feet and 18 amps.

panamea wrote:
Was thinking of running 2 or 3 different gauges cables and use the corresponding one for different setups but not sure what the prices are for wires and I'm on a tight budget.

Also, What will happen if I install a wire for a higher amperage and start with a lower amperage system? (in order to add to the system later

Thanks

High amperage wire (larger wire) is better even for a low amperage system. The larger the better, there is less voltage drop with larger wire.