

| Subject: | Electrical Math Check Please? (Westy Solar Panel) |
| From: | neil n |
| Date: | Thu, 8 Aug 2013 11:44:49 -0700 |
Hey people. My reason for asking is below. I had assumed the amount would be small (negligible) but want to calculate the approximate difference in voltage drop between a "round trip" of 20' and 23', 2/10 wire between panel and controller. It seems there's more factors involved than I include here, but a double check of my rough calculation would be appreciated. Solar panel max. output: 7.9 Amps @ 18.99 Volts. For #10 wire, using 1.24 Ohms per 1000' ........ 20' x 1.24/1000 = .0248 Ohms 23' x 1.24/1000 = .0285 Ohms Using rounded off panel values: .025 Ohms x 8 Amps = 0.20 Volts .029 Ohms x 8 Amps = 0.23 Volts So adding 3' of wire(s) causes a voltage drop of 0.03 Volts? My panel wires have MC4 connectors crimped on. I've emailed the vendor for info, but hesitate to open the junction box on the panel as it may be weather sealed. (had thought that end of the wire would be a smaller OD) Instead of drilling large holes for the MC4 connectors to pass through the pop top, I'd like to drill one smaller hole and use the supplied 2/#10 FLAT cable that c/w the kit. I don't know if there's a grommet for that type of cable but am certain I can seal the hole well and would do same even if a grommet was used. Neil. -- Neil n Blog: tubaneil.blogspot.ca '88 Westy http://tinyurl.com/c8rlw6p '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco" http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/ Vanagon VAG Gas inline-VR Engine Swap Group: http://tinyurl.com/d7gd5ej
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