solar cable

System
System Posts: 2,511 admin
in Solar Beginners Corner #1
hi guys i am new to alternative power scene and am looking to connect my solar panels to my charge controller can i use normal ac house cable as long as the gauge is correct for the run thanks michael the solar panels are 4 x 200watt the cable run is 60 feet and i was going to use conduit and put it under groud to protect from heat i was looking at 10mm2 cable i am not sure but i think that is awg 7 thanks
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: solar cable

    Wire is wire; it doesn't really care if it's carrying AC or DC.

    But just to get it right, the gauge is very important as is protecting it from the weather. Ordinary household cable will deteriorate if left to the elements. Conduit is necessary.

    To be on the safe side, do you have the specs on your panels and how far the wire run to the controller will be?
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  • audredger
    audredger Solar Expert Posts: 272 ✭✭
    #3
    Re: solar cable
    Wire is wire; it doesn't really care if it's carrying AC or DC.

    Please note: "We" use copper wire. Aluminum wire and DC are not a good combination due to corrosion.
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: solar cable
    audredger wrote: »
    Please note: "We" use copper wire. Aluminum wire and DC are not a good combination due to corrosion.

    Yup.
    I don't even think about aluminium wire.
    Shouldn't take such things for granted. :blush:
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