solar wiring

[walter1]

What type, gauge and quantity of wires is needed for solar panel roof use?

I'm running extra wires in 64 Safari up interior wall and though the refer vent to roof area for future project use while refrig is out and area is accessible. Trying to think ahead.

Thanks, Walter

[Tom Nugler]

I was also contemplating setting up some solar panels on my 67 GT. Some of the cars we get in from Mexico (Golfs/ Jettas) have small panels that plug into the power outlet on the console and suction cup to the windshield. They seem to put out 300 to 400 MA. I was going to set up four of them, wire them in parallel, and flip them up on the A/C. The wires out of the panels are only about 20 GA. I was thinking of using 16 GA speaker wire which should be more than enough to handle any current or voltage drop.
Good luck and let us know how it works,
Tom

[Over59]

That would depend on the size panel. Wire is cheap. Get 10 gauge Marine grade stranded wire. Get two colors. You'll handle any and all solar panels you could fit on the roof and will have no voltage drop to speak of. Where you are putting them had heat so you want the high rated wire. A few more cents for alot more capacity and the same work.

[walter1]

Thanks, That’s what I thought. If all that’s needed is a pair of 10ga twisted copper for DCv + - that’s easy. Thinking towards Kyocera , BP solar, Shell etc 75-120W panel. With refer vent heat I can run wires in flex conduit to roof area if I install it now. Also want to run CB coax, TV cable, etc for future projects. A strong cord for fishing extra needed wire would probably be smart.