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howardwheeler's avatar
howardwheeler
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013

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 has two 10 gauge wires going through it down to the present controller. I hopefully won't have to replace that because I don't see how to run a new wire. If the panels are in series for 48 volts, is that wire sufficient? I estimate the distance from the present panel to controller to be around 15 feet. Any thoughts or suggestions?

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  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer II
    Jul 26, 2013
    #10 wires should be fine. As for a controller, I like Blue Sky and Morningstar the best for something in that size range.
  • KJINTF's avatar
    KJINTF
    Explorer
    Jul 26, 2013
    Hi

    Yes 10awg will work fine for a 48volt array
    Even if you hook the two 230 watt panels in parallel for a 24 volt array no need to change out the 10awg wire. 460 watts at 24 volts the most you will see is 18 amps if you go in series as I would you will see half that current from the array to the controller.

    What MPPT controller are you looking at - there are several good ones on the market - My preference has been the Morningstar line - IMHO they are the best you can get. Oversize the controller you might want another panel in the future.

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