Solar Wiring Diagram for Review
Hi guys , hope all is well. Im in the process of upgrading my solar system , with the help of the DIY solar forum online ive been able to create this preliminary diagram but im still a little confused...
Forum Discussion
Put the fuse on the positive wire as close to the source as possible.
Fuse 125% of amp rating of load and make sure wire is rated for at least that much.
Make sure the wiring is large enough to carry the current with max of 3-5% loss in voltage. Use a wiring calculator like the second one on this page to determine wire gauge necessary. Do this for all the pieces. Consider going one size larger than required. Bigger wire, more efficient. From the battery to the bus bars, go overkill with wire size. Only costs a few more bucks, but all the electrons will ultimately traverse these so the more efficient the better.
http://www.boat-project.com/tutorials/calculator.htm
You can swap out the guts of the Progressive Dynamics for lithium charging for about $250.
In a couple spots you have a larger wire changing to a smaller wire on the same path (switch and alternator). I would use the larger all the way through, but regardless, no reason to have part of it larger.
Personal choice a bit. I would use two smaller solar charge controllers and split the panels across them. Gives some redundancy and can help with shading as well. But, a bit of personal choice there.
With 800w of solar you could probably skip the alternator connection if you wanted.
Larger inverters use more power with no load so use whatever size fits your needs. ;-)
Looks like a fun project and a nice power system.
Fuse 125% of amp rating of load and make sure wire is rated for at least that much.
Make sure the wiring is large enough to carry the current with max of 3-5% loss in voltage. Use a wiring calculator like the second one on this page to determine wire gauge necessary. Do this for all the pieces. Consider going one size larger than required. Bigger wire, more efficient. From the battery to the bus bars, go overkill with wire size. Only costs a few more bucks, but all the electrons will ultimately traverse these so the more efficient the better.
http://www.boat-project.com/tutorials/calculator.htm
You can swap out the guts of the Progressive Dynamics for lithium charging for about $250.
In a couple spots you have a larger wire changing to a smaller wire on the same path (switch and alternator). I would use the larger all the way through, but regardless, no reason to have part of it larger.
Personal choice a bit. I would use two smaller solar charge controllers and split the panels across them. Gives some redundancy and can help with shading as well. But, a bit of personal choice there.
With 800w of solar you could probably skip the alternator connection if you wanted.
Larger inverters use more power with no load so use whatever size fits your needs. ;-)
Looks like a fun project and a nice power system.
