panel wire AWG to controller
Ok so the ts-MPPT-60 is on its way, I put the card board cut outs on the roof just to make sure the panels fit as I thought and now on to more planning. I check a few voltage drop calculators for t...
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The efficiency difference between 30V and 90V is wattage dependent. In cloudy conditions or when sun is low the difference is 5%. The difference decreases to 2% at max wattage.
70 feet of 4 gauge cable (17.36 mohm) will drop voltage 1.4% when conducting 3 x Imp or 24A. Given the inefficiency of the controller, this setup will produce more current than a series configuration. Under low light conditions, the difference will be close to 5%.
What about wire cost? Home Depot sells stranded #4 for $1.19/ft. #10 goes for $0.66/ft. The difference is $37.
70 feet of 4 gauge cable (17.36 mohm) will drop voltage 1.4% when conducting 3 x Imp or 24A. Given the inefficiency of the controller, this setup will produce more current than a series configuration. Under low light conditions, the difference will be close to 5%.
What about wire cost? Home Depot sells stranded #4 for $1.19/ft. #10 goes for $0.66/ft. The difference is $37.
2oldman wrote:
That could be a wash, considering any inefficiency of a higher PV voltage at the controller.
