The voltage drop from the panel to the charge controller is important. Every percentage lost is loss of output. It is simple math. Do the math and design your system correctly.
The voltage drop from the panel to the charge controller is important. Every percentage lost is loss of output. It is simple math. Do the math and design your system correctly.
Post up the spec sheet or model for the panel and the charge controller.
Correct. Panel output before it gets to the regulator will be well over 12v. 160w panel will be overkill to keep you batteries topped up too, but if you already have it, use. I'd still just go with 4-6mm2Quote:
Originally Posted by Robmacca
A 160W panel with a half decent MPPT in vague sun for “some” hours a day will keep an Engel running indefinitely
I am certain you could link it with end to end coat hangers, electrical tape and cable ties and keep a battery topped off !!!
I agree with Tim however
No one ever made up a heavy duty Anderson-Anderson extension cable and said
“Geez I wish I went with smaller cable”
Steve
I understand that but I'm only looking at the wiring from the Anderson Plug up to the MPPT under the Cubby Box. I've already got 12v extension leads that are of a good size.Quote:
Originally Posted by roverrescue
Hi again Rob and as you are only intending to maintain your batteries during long periods of non use, then even thin cable/wire will do the job.
With that huge panel being used for nothing more than maintaining, then even with light wire, your batteries will be fully charged in less than an hour after the sun rises each day.
I would use 6mm auto cable which is actually about 4.9mm squared.
A small amount of voltage drop, not that you would get much, is fine between panel and regulator as the panels out put somewhere between 19 to 21 volts.
I run this size cable when camping with 160 watt solar and cable 25 metres long and it works fine.