Correct.I'm assuming you used the bus bars prior to controller since you have two solar panels? This may be a dumb question...but with only one solar panel can I wire directly from panel to controller and then straight from controller to battery?
@Zinger88: You'd be fine with 14 AWG for the full run. 10 AWG is overkill, but would give you lots of headroom for future expansion if ever needed. The rule of thumb I've heard is to target <= 3% voltage drop for systems you really care about. (e.g. see Marine Wire Size and Ampacity | West Marine).Thanks Gene and Lazy1. And yes...I'll be purchasing the controller w/ built-in bluetooth. I like the idea of being able to monitor my battery and charging via Victron's app on iphone. Plans are to mount PV on the stern rail and run cable to controller mounted near battery which is located behind cabin cooler step on MkII. Hopefully I can get out to the boat this week to measure needed cable lengths. OK....so 10 AWG for PV->Controller, but what size recommended for Controller ->Battery? Distance should only less than 2' for that run.
That's a great find. Thanks!As FYI....thought I'd pass along this Energy Usage Estimator I found for those who might be interested.
I'm just looking at all options at this point and was thinking of using the thru-deck plug more as a way of being able to quickly disconnect the solar panel and stow away if I wanted to. For those who currently have MC4 connectors...how difficult (or easy) is it to disconnect/reconnect them?Renogy panels come set up for MC4 connectors. At least mine did ...
Disconnecting MC-4's only takes a few seconds. Maybe a bit more than a trailer plug, but only marginally.I'm just looking at all options at this point and was thinking of using the thru-deck plug more as a way of being able to quickly disconnect the solar panel and stow away if I wanted to. For those who currently have MC4 connectors...how difficult (or easy) is it to disconnect/reconnect them?
I haven't ordered my panel yet...which one did you get? I was considering the Renogy...An observation...
The MC4s that I see are for 10-12 ga. wire and my 30W panel came with what looks like 18 ga. bare end wires.