I'm working on a project with 4 solar panels that each produce 410 watts, connected in series. Each panel has an Open Circuit Voltage of 50.1 volts and a Short Circuit Current of 10.37 amps. So, my total voltage would be calculated as 4 times 50.1, giving me 200.4 volts. The current remains at 10.37 amps since they're in series. When I calculate the amps using the formula (4 times 410 watts) divided by 200.4 volts, I get about 8.18 amps. The distance from these panels to the device I'm powering could be between 50 to 75 feet, depending on the cable run. However, when I plug these numbers into two different wire sizing calculators, one suggests 16 AWG and the other suggests 14 AWG. Interestingly, when I ask ChatGPT, it suggests 8 AWG, which seems way off. Am I doing the calculations right?
1 Answer
It looks like you're doing the math alright, but keep in mind that ChatGPT can sometimes miss the mark. I'd go with 10 AWG; it’s a more common choice and will give you flexibility for future projects if you need to run higher amps later on.
Thanks! I actually got a 12 AWG extension cord with the appliance (32ft). Should I stick with 12 AWG for the rest, or would it be better to use 10 AWG for the extra distance?