#10 or #6 wiring from solar panel to controller?

[Seeker]

What wire size should I use from my single panel through roof to the controller?  I am just guessing it will be somewhere around 7 feet more or less.

Also should I just drill through roof above the controller and use rubber grommets and cover with sealant or is there a better way?

I did end up splurging for the MidNite KID and the panel is over 30 volts as I remember
A SEEKER

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

http://circuitwizard.bluesea.com/#

-- Spiff

 

[vanman2300]

#6 is a huge wire! Will the controller accept such a large diameter wire? If you haven't checked that then I'd start there first....

 

[MikeRuth]

If you are not going to add any more panels in the future then you can run #10 wire at that voltage.

Go #8 if you think your gong to add more later.

Keep the Charge controller as close to the batteries as practical.

Can't say what yet, but I intend to use a water proof junction box on the roof. The box will get attached using the same sealing butyl tape as vents are installed with.
Butyl sealing caulk around that. 

 

[Seeker]

#6 is a huge wire! Will the controller accept such a large diameter wire? If you haven't checked that then I'd start there first....

Yeah it is!  Sorry meant #10 or #8.

 

[Seeker]

http://circuitwizard.bluesea.com/#

-- Spiff

I have looked at the calculators for voltage drop but not sure what numbers to plug in with the panels and controller.  Do I use the max amps controller is rated for and the open circuit voltage of the panel?  I think #10 would be fine but cost is not much higher so I will probably go with #8.

 

[MikeRuth]

I used the voltage drop calc based on your numbers and a 1 - 2% drop.

Mike R

 

[highdesertranger]

I would go with the largest wire your controller can handle. for the roof penetration I would go with a waterproof box or a clam shell pass through. highdesertranger

 

[Seeker]

highdesertranger Clam shell pass through? I will research but do you know a good one? Saw a few on marine applications for ventilation.

 

[highdesertranger]

here you go seeker. https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/Cable_Clams . highdesertranger

 

[MikeRuth]

that's a cool item but man minimum $20.00 a pop for each wire is a little over the top as these appear to be designed for a single cable.

Something like this could be doable if you pack it up with your favorite caulk.
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/perko...e=&network=g&gclid=CIu53YSc28MCFYhgfgodcyUA0Q

 

[highdesertranger]

they can hold multiple wires. the bigger ones can hold two 8 gauge wires no problem. I have one with an 8 gauge, a coax cable and two 12 gauge wires. when you buy these the rubber plug is solid you drill holes though the rubber according to the number of wires and size of wire. btw they are waterproof. highdesertranger

 

[MikeRuth]

they can hold multiple wires.  the bigger ones can hold two 8 gauge wires no problem.  I have one with an 8 gauge,  a coax cable and two 12 gauge wires.   when you buy these the rubber plug is solid you drill holes though the rubber according to the number of wires and size of wire.  btw they are waterproof.  highdesertranger

Ahh. they don't offer that info up on the web site. Thanks

 

[highdesertranger]

yeah, I even went back and read the instructions the way they explain it it's for one wire. but I have installed multiple wires with these several times. highdesertranger