Solar Panel Wiring
Is regular automotive primary wire suitable for use between a solar panel and the charge controller? I am installing two, 100-watt poly panels on the roof of my 5er, running the wires down a holding t...
Forum Discussion
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?
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?
