Where to buy Tinned copper solar wire

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by pcmm

Actually its not 420 watts MPPT'd down works out to approx 30amps ( before effeciency losses) he'd be loosing nearly half the potential output! While the controller can handle the watts input, you're loosing a lot of potential output. Its better to have a controller with "Spare capacity" than one that is overworked. Just my thoughts

You're right...I was thinking the 15a was the input rating on the controller, but it's actually max charge current. Bad idea for 420w!

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by jcapo

Unless the panel has a proper junction box like my Kyocera panels. Seems to me that those connectors exposed to weather is not a good idea.

What are you calling a junction box? Panels that I have seen have a box that you cannot open firmly attached to the panel with two PV wires several feet long with MC4 connectors on them. I assume that box contains diodes, but I have never busted one open to confirm this.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by jcapo

Unless the panel has a proper junction box like my Kyocera panels. Seems to me that those connectors exposed to weather is not a good idea.

Hmm, solar panels don't work unless they are outside.....you don't think the connectors should be exposed to weather?

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

An example of "Solar wire" that shows its cross section nicely
Solar PV WIRE 100 FT POWER CABLE BLACK - 10 AWG COPPER- UL 4703 2000v USA | eBay

The wire in your link may be called "solar wire"but doersn't look to be good quality wire to me. It only has 7 strands for 10 awg wire and is not even tinned.

Any major wire supplier should have solar wire.

It would help if the op stated where he is located.

The solar wire I sell in Victoria is 10 gauge, tinned and has as many strands as other tinned marine cable. It is basically the same as that attached to solar panels.

Also the op stated that he purchased 3 140 watt panels and a Victron 75/15 (singular not plural). The Victron 75/15 in a 12 volt system will accept a maximum of 220 watts of panels.

Did you purchase 3 controllers or are you wiring in series?

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

No, it is seven strand, and not Romex.
If you have such an aversion to it, I guess you removed the wires from your panels then, cause all panels I have seen come with several feet of PV wire attached to them

Panels do not come with un-tinned 7 strand wire. Not any panel I have installed nor any panel I have sold or seen.

Good solar wire is tinned, flexible, and, while I have not counted, seems to have as many strands as any good quality marine wire such as Ancor or Vertex.

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

What are you calling a junction box? Panels that I have seen have a box that you cannot open firmly attached to the panel with two PV wires several feet long with MC4 connectors on them. I assume that box contains diodes, but I have never busted one open to confirm this.

Panels used to come with a J box. Removable lid and waterproof wire glands. You wired directly to the inside of the box.

[Nadezhda]

Auto & Marine Electrical Components & Accessories | 12 Volt Planet

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

Panels used to come with a J box. Removable lid and waterproof wire glands. You wired directly to the inside of the box.

I haven't seen a solar panel with a J-box in quite a long time. they all use MC4 connectors now. Seems like a better arrangement with the MC4's the box stays sealed and the connectors are water tite with the o-ring seals in the connectors.

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by pcmm

I haven't seen a solar panel with a J-box in quite a long time. they all use MC4 connectors now. Seems like a better arrangement with the MC4's the box stays sealed and the connectors are water tite with the o-ring seals in the connectors.

Last time I saw a panel with a j-box was about 5 years ago.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

Panels used to come with a J box. Removable lid and waterproof wire glands. You wired directly to the inside of the box.

I used to be a skinny and good looking too


Someone have a link to this PV wire that is multi stranded and tinned? I'd prefer it, but didn't know of its existence.

[fjwiley1]

Marine Wiring, Boat Cable and Electrical Genuinedealz.com


located in Brunswick, ga.


Not affiliated but Awesome Service, prices good too.


just my opinion....

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by fjwiley1

Marine Wiring, Boat Cable and Electrical Genuinedealz.com
Not affiliated but Awesome Service, prices good too.

No solar wire apparently though.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by fjwiley1

Marine Wiring, Boat Cable and Electrical Genuinedealz.com


located in Brunswick, ga.


Not affiliated but Awesome Service, prices good too.


just my opinion....

I buy a lot of wire there, just bought 100' of 2Ga to finish the Solar install and will put the rest into spares

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

No solar wire apparently though.

The thread calls is Solar wire, but I believe its real name is Photovoltiac cable or PV wire for short.
I bring that up only to help if anyone is searching

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

The thread calls is Solar wire, but I believe its real name is Photovoltiac cable or PV wire for short.
I bring that up only to help if anyone is searching

Regardless of what they call it, it is wire. Maybe the composition of the tinning may be different or the amount? I doubt the copper alloy is. I doubt it is silver.

You can stick any Kind of label on a produce and sell it for more.