Mixing different gauge solar panel cables..

[Ian S]

My only concern in this matter is whether or not the two different gauge cables can be connected together and run to my controller without messing up the solar panel or the controller. I don't know if you can run a 10 gauge wire off of a 12 gauge wire without messing anything up or causing a voltage loss or anything like that.
I don't know if it matters, but the panel is a 100W with short circuit amperage of like 5.89A.
Also, I don't intend to use this as a grid-tie system. I want it for powering some lights and small tools in a building that has no electric service.
Thanks for any further advice.
Have a great day.

For the system setup you describe, I can see no problem with using the 10 gauge extension wires with the 12 gauge coming off the panel. The gauge or wire thickness is important in determining the amperage the wire can handle. 12 gauge wire can easily handle 6 A.

[ReaderOfEyes]

Mixing different gauge solar panel wires......

My only concern in this matter is whether or not the two different gauge cables can be connected together and run to my controller without messing up the solar panel or the controller. I don't know if you can run a 10 gauge wire off of a 12 gauge wire without messing anything up or causing a voltage loss or anything like that.
I don't know if it matters, but the panel is a 100W with short circuit amperage of like 5.89A.
Also, I don't intend to use this as a grid-tie system. I want it for powering some lights and small tools in a building that has no electric service.
Thanks for any further advice.
Have a great day.

[peakbagger]

Dont worry about it. Unless you have multiple panels in series you are nowhere near the amperage capacity of the cables. There are online calculators for amperage.

The typical installer buys one extension cable with connectors on both ends and then cuts it in half. You most likely paid for the privilege of someone cutting it in half for you. Unless you specified a connector setup, they will send you one male and one female extension cable.

Make sure you get the polarities right and I hope you arent planning to tie into the grid with the setup you bought unless you go legit and get a permit. Power companies get quite grumpy about that and usually the low cost "grid tie " inverters arent certified for grid tie applications in the US.

[ReaderOfEyes]

I have a problem. Being completely new to solar power, I have already made my first big mistake. And I haven't even received all of my components yet !
Any way, I ordered a solar panel, extension cables and a charge controller ( all from different sellers ). After I received my panel, I came to find out the panel has 12AWG output cables with MC4 connectors attached to them. The extension cables, which should arrive any day, are 10AWG cables with MC4 connectors on one end only. Can these extension cables be used with this panel, or did I just totally waste $50 on cables I can't even use? The cables are non-returnable.
I know I could buy another solar panel that has 10AWG output cables on it, but being completely new to solar energy I would rather not attempt a multi-panel system until I get a lot more experience with solar energy systems. Also, I don't have the money for another panel AND another set of extension cables ( to work with the panel I already bought ). I believe I can swing the cost of another set of cables, if I absolutely have to.
Thanks for any help in this matter.