wire size to inverter

[ant58]

I have a 85W panel with MC-4 connectors.

What size wire do I need to connect it to the solar converter I have.

It's a 300W solar inverter.

tia

[Mike90250]

depends on how long the wires are.

[ant58]

10' tops.

[lile001]

10' tops.

Let's make sure of the details. What is the panel voltage? How many panels - just one? If more than one - are they arranged in a string, or all paralleled?

Finally, what is the Isc Short Circuit Current rating of your panel? That sets the wire size.

[ant58]

Let's make sure of the details. What is the panel voltage? How many panels - just one? If more than one - are they arranged in a string, or all paralleled?

Finally, what is the Isc Short Circuit Current rating of your panel? That sets the wire size.

Using 12 now.

1 panel, 12V

[lile001]

Using 12 now.

1 panel, 12V

Well the Isc will be a little more than this, but it'll be close enough. 85 watts / 12 volts = 7 amps. The smallest NEC wire size commonly used is #12 which is good for 20 amps. So a # 12 will handle your panel nicely. #10 is the next size up, and will also work. The wire should be RHW-2/RHH (type USE-2) sunlight resistant wire. If you have an MC4 connector on the panel, just get a set of cables already made up with MC4 connectors from any good solar supplier. If your inverter has terminal inputs, get a cable twice as long as you need, with male and female connectors on either end, and cut it in half.