460 watt solar setup: wire sizes?
I want to change out my old 50 watt panel and 10 amp controller with at least one and hopefully two 230 watt 24 volt panels and whatever controller would be best. Right now the roof on my fifth wheel ...
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230 watt solar panels are typically rated at around 39 - 44 volts, so should be less than 8 amps. #10 wire is fine for 15 amps of solar, and has a maximum amperage rating of 30 amps. If you have a controller rated for a maximum of about 100 volts input, then you can wire the pair of 24 volt panels in series, and expect the amperage to be less than 8 amps on a bright sunny day. It will come in at up to 88 volts, though under load a typical 24 volt panel will only be about 30 volts each, or 60 volts total. Yet the controller must be rated at the maximum possible voltage, that would happen on a cold day, when the sun is reflected off snow onto the panel, as well as direct sun on the panel.
SunElec.com has both low priced solar panels and controllers for them.
My last question - why take off the 50 watt panel, if it is still working? It can provide another 15 AH daily, even though your new pair of 230 watt panels will also be providing another 120 AH or more.
Solaronsale.com
Fred.
SunElec.com has both low priced solar panels and controllers for them.
My last question - why take off the 50 watt panel, if it is still working? It can provide another 15 AH daily, even though your new pair of 230 watt panels will also be providing another 120 AH or more.
Solaronsale.com
Fred.
