Suggestions for installing solar

[Bad Obsession]

I have narrowed it down to buying a semi-flexible solar panel and mounting it on the bimini. I have selected the charge controller that will work with the solar panel and I have selected a place close to the batteries for the charge controller to sit.

The setup will require me to pass the wires through the deck on the top or outside edge or the cockpit.

What gauge wire would you use for the run from the panel to the charge controller?

What gauge wire from the charge controller to the battery?

I am going to need to put some connectors in the wire run so I can take the panel up and down. Would you suggest the connectors used for the solar panels for each connection?

Any other suggestions on running the wires and setting up would be appreciated.

 

[kjretlaw]

I added a junction box to back of one of the solar panels I installed, all wiring goes through that box. I used 8ga wire based on the run distance for my wiring from the panels to the controller then 4ga from the controller to the battery bank input bus. Here's a link to a few sites that could be helpful.
http://www.solar-electric.com/wire-loss-tables.html
http://shop.genuinedealz.com/Marine%20Grade%20Wire/Marine%20Battery%20Cable/4%20AWG%20Battery%20Cable%20UL/
I also recommend reading Mainsails site if you haven't already.
http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects

I now have 190watts of solar and can expand to 380watts with all the wiring in place already. Really enjoying the solar !

 

[Stu Jackson]

What gauge wire would you use for the run from the panel to the charge controller?

What gauge wire from the charge controller to the battery?

Without the loads we can't answer.

 

[caguy]

I have narrowed it down to buying a semi-flexible solar panel and mounting it on the bimini. I have selected the charge controller that will work with the solar panel and I have selected a place close to the batteries for the charge controller to sit.

The setup will require me to pass the wires through the deck on the top or outside edge or the cockpit.

What gauge wire would you use for the run from the panel to the charge controller?

What gauge wire from the charge controller to the battery?

I am going to need to put some connectors in the wire run so I can take the panel up and down. Would you suggest the connectors used for the solar panels for each connection?

Any other suggestions on running the wires and setting up would be appreciated.

Whar flex panel are you looking at? I was on a friends boat a couple of weeks ago and he had one on his dodger that look really well built. I sent him an email and he hasn't responded. This one looked like it could be stepped on without damaging it.

 

[Bad Obsession]

[FONT=arial, helvetica]

• Maximum Power: 100W
• Maximum System Voltage: 600V DC (UL)
• Optimum Operating Voltage (Vmp): 17.7V
• Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc): 21.7V
• Optimum Operating Current (Imp): 5.70A
• Short-Circuit Current (Isc): 6.10A
• Dimensions: 41.3 X 21.3 X 0.12 In
• Maximum Series Fuse Rating: 15A

Does that help with loads?

[/FONT]

 

[gettinthere]

Distance is the final frontier.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Bad,

http://www.freesunpower.com/wire_calc.php

from a search on Google for "sizing wiring for solar"

Really.

 

[Brian D]

Nice calculator. Looks like 12 AWG works up to 20 ft for that size panel. Maybe even more.

Thanks for the link, Stu!

 

[Ron20324]

I used #12 from the panels to the controller, and verified that size with the above calculator. My Morningstar controller has LED indicators,so I wanted to install it into the nav panel. From the controller I wired it into(behind the breaker panel) the breaker-panel-to-battery #6 wires for charging. I've been happy with the results.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Nice Calculator...

How would you do the connections from the panel, through the deck, to the charge controller?

I am thinking that I want a connector right after it exits the deck so I can remove the solar panel and store it below when the boat is on trailer or if I am in a slip plugged in to shore power. Either way, I need to be able to conveniently remove the panel from time to time.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Have you considered a simple thru deck sealer and then put the plug of some kind above?

 

[Bad Obsession]

Are you talking about the cable clam? That is what I was thinking about for bringing it through the deck. After that I was thinking about the solar MC-4 connectors. Does that sound right?

 

[gettinthere]

I used cabke clams to penetrate the toe rail. Seem to work well.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Are you talking about the cable clam? That is what I was thinking about for bringing it through the deck. After that I was thinking about the solar MC-4 connectors. Does that sound right?

Yes. I don't know about the MC-4 connectors, personally, since I'm not doing solar right now, but Maine Sail suggests them.