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  • wire size to inverter

    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

  • #2
    depends on how long the wires are.
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    • #3
      10' tops.

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      • #4
        Originally posted by ant58 View Post
        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.
        Lawrence Lile, PE

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        • #5
          Originally posted by lile001 View Post
          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

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          • #6
            Originally posted by ant58 View Post
            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.
            Lawrence Lile, PE

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