Solar panel wiring
I'm rebuilding a Class C and I might be redoing the roof soon. I would like to run the wiring for solar panels now instead of doing it through the fridge vent later. The thing is that I won't be able ...
Forum Discussion
OldSmokey wrote:pianotuna wrote:
Just run the wire for the most amps you dream of having. #4 would be great.
er no, you don't need 4 AWG
I have 960 W on my roof ( 6 * 160 W ) configured as 3S2P and the max current is 17 Amps @ 54 V, 10 AWG is more than enough.
Vdrop over 40Ft of 10AWG at 17 A is less than 1V.
if you think you need 4 AWG then you need to think again..
unless you have cash to burn..
I don't think you've calculated the voltage drop correctly. I'd bet you are dropping voltage 3-4% over 40' of 10 ga at 54V w/17 A.
A better practice may be to install the largest wire possible from the roof to the controller location. That will insure that all the current produced gets to the controller.
Without knowing the OP's plans, use, and dimensions, it is difficult to advise a wire gauge. I always tend to install larger wire as the price is not significant and I will be sure it is large enough to handle the loads.
