ootnaboot
Member
Hey everyone. I'm trying to build the solar system for our 2014 Bobcat and I've run into a big issue regarding wiring from the panels to the charge controller that I'm hoping someone might help with some guidance.
Here's the situation: Marty and the ATC gang pre-installed the camper for solar with 14awg wiring. Now originally, the plan has been to use two 153w polycrystalline panels we have. However, given that each panel puts out Vmp 18.8V and Imp 8.14 A, from what I can tell from my research, 14awg wire is too small to handle those loads, both in terms of loss and safety, if we were to run them in parallel. If I run them in series, I think we'd be okay. Maybe still on the edge of too small, but maybe not. Of course, with the panels in series, you get the shading problem. So, preferably, they're run in parallel. And that only makes sense if we go with a larger gauge. But...and this is the big but: from what I've gathered talking to Marty and others, 12awg is the largest we can run between the panels and the charge controller. Otherwise, the forward panel will not collapse well and the camper won't close right. To be sure, I totally trust Marty and the gang. But I'm wondering from anyone else's experience how y'all got around this issue if you installed that much solar power.
Thanks! And keep on wandering.
P.s., I've attached a pdf of the info label on the back of the panel if that helps you solar gurus understand my situation better.
Here's the situation: Marty and the ATC gang pre-installed the camper for solar with 14awg wiring. Now originally, the plan has been to use two 153w polycrystalline panels we have. However, given that each panel puts out Vmp 18.8V and Imp 8.14 A, from what I can tell from my research, 14awg wire is too small to handle those loads, both in terms of loss and safety, if we were to run them in parallel. If I run them in series, I think we'd be okay. Maybe still on the edge of too small, but maybe not. Of course, with the panels in series, you get the shading problem. So, preferably, they're run in parallel. And that only makes sense if we go with a larger gauge. But...and this is the big but: from what I've gathered talking to Marty and others, 12awg is the largest we can run between the panels and the charge controller. Otherwise, the forward panel will not collapse well and the camper won't close right. To be sure, I totally trust Marty and the gang. But I'm wondering from anyone else's experience how y'all got around this issue if you installed that much solar power.
Thanks! And keep on wandering.
P.s., I've attached a pdf of the info label on the back of the panel if that helps you solar gurus understand my situation better.