100W Solar wiring

[theway]

I am wiring a 100W panel (5amps) using this setup in the image with a 30amp controller. But I don't see suggestions for fuses or wire gauge.

I have awg 10 wire to connect the controller to the battery but does the wires connecting the two banks together need to be a lot thicker?

And I'm guessing based of other stuff I have read I need a 30amp inline fuse on the positive between the controller and the batter?...

Thanks.

[Vladis]

Hello,

The wires that connect the batteries to form the bank are, normally, heavy cables. In my case (two 140AH batteries in parallel) the manufacturer (Beneteau) used 70mm2 cables. For a 5A (or about 8A as you refer to 100W?) current coming from the regulator, 4mm2 seems OK (although I would use 6mm2 or even 10mm2) as it should be a short lenght.

Regards, Vladis

[CharlzO]

As Vladis said, the jumpers on your batteries tying them together should be much heavier than the solar wiring. You can get pigtails specifically for that at most auto parts stores, even, for a few dollars each. Your Solar controller wiring should go to the + of the one end of your bank, and Negative at the other, if I remember correctly. That's how mine is (same controller, but I have 2 batteries instead of 4).

When in doubt, fuse. I have it fused at the battery just as you suggested, I figure that I might not HAVE to, but I'd rather be safer than sorrier.

[theway]

I've decided to go with 2 panels and 2 controllers, one for each bank. For some reason I don't like the idea of making my banks parallel. It's seems to me it opens up possible conflicts between the two banks, so I'd rather just keep them separated. Then I only have to worry about the fuses and not the heavy gauge wire to connect the banks.

Thanks for your input.

[Hard Rock Candy]

How many Batteries and what voltage are they? If you are using two solar panels, What wattage output are they? My boat had two 75 watt solar panels and a bank of four six volt Batteries. Plus a large 12 volt starting Batterie. It was only a 30 ft boat and I had all the power I needed for tools and kitchen appliances and sewing machine. You will find that a good solid electrical system will be a positive Part of your sailing life. So my advice is, start big as you have room and money for. Mac

[theway]

I have 2 house banks and a starter battery. Each house banks has 2 x 6V golf cart batteries (soon to be Trojan brand). The 2 panels are 100W Renogy at about 5.75amps each.

[sparrowhawk1]

Originally Posted by Vladis

Hello,

The wires that connect the batteries to form the bank are, normally, heavy cables. In my case (two 140AH batteries in parallel) the manufacturer (Beneteau) used 70mm2 cables. For a 5A (or about 8A as you refer to 100W?) current coming from the regulator, 4mm2 seems OK (although I would use 6mm2 or even 10mm2) as it should be a short lenght.

Regards, Vladis

Most solar panels are rated at 17.5 or 18 volts so hundred watt panel would be 5.55 amps