Solar Panel Wiring

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.

The cable in the link provided by mike-s would suit my needs best, I believe.

Just for some background, my panels are Grape Solar GS-100 watt that I ordered through Home Depot.

Here are the specs from the Grape Solar website:

Max System Voltage (IEC/UL) 1000V
Maximum Power Pmax 100 W
Listed PTC Power 100 W
Voltage at Maximum Power Point Vmpp 18.0 V
Current at Maximum Power Point Impp 5.56 A
Open Circuit Voltage Voc 21.9 V Short Circuit Current Isc 6.13 A
Module Efficiency 14.63


I plan on using a Morningstar ProStar PS-15M PWM controller to feed my two GC2 batteries.

Two-hundred watts of solar is all I anticipate needing since the vast majority of our "camping" is in sites with at least electrical hookups. Once a year I boondock by myself for 5 or 6 nights. The main electrical draw is for the fridge, and use of the LED lights is minimal as is furnace use.

Due to very judicious electrical use I have not yet run out of battery power when boondocking, and the solar power will help insure I don't. It will also keep the batteries topped-up when in storage at home, without the need of stringing a extension cord.

Does anyone see any potential difficulties with the use of only a 15-amp controller for 200 watts of solar, given my rather simple needs?

+1 for using MC4 cable that is made to resist the elements.
Yes it is a little more $$ and not exactly fine strand. Once pulled into place it will be best in the long run.
As said get an extension cable of twice the length you need and cut in half. Connectors to the panel, cut end on the controller.

Heavy duty landscape wire will handle the current and weather. It is designed for plenty of current and the wire covering is excellent.

You can cover indoor wire with something like Heng's rubber roof coating, or eternabond tape to protect it.

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GPT wire is not made to handle constant exposure to sun and weather. You can get a 50' cable with MC4 ends installed for $31 through Amazon. Cut it in half, and you have 25' of cable to get from the panels to your controller. I haven't found it to be stiff for its size.

How much are you going to pay for just the connectors and GPT wire? Do you have a proper crimper to put the MC4 connectors on?