I'm setting up a solar system that includes a 100-watt panel, a 10-amp breaker, a 35-amp controller, a 50-amp breaker, a 12V 50Ah battery, and a 1000W inverter. All the wires I have on hand are 10 gauge (10 AWG). Are these wires appropriate for this configuration, particularly the connection from the battery to the inverter?
3 Answers
Yeah, 10 AWG isn't going to cut it for the inverter. Go with 4 AWG minimum there, and putting a 100-amp fuse along the way will keep everything safe and tidy.
You definitely need to upgrade from 10 AWG for the battery to inverter connection. Ideally, you should use at least 4 AWG wire for that, and don't forget to install a 100-amp fuse in between to protect your system.
So just to clarify, 4 AWG for the battery to inverter, but can I stick with 10 AWG for the battery to controller?
With a single 100W panel, you could get away with lighter wires, but for the battery to inverter, stick with 4 or 6 AWG. Using 10 AWG elsewhere should be fine, but you're wise to check.
Just to recap: 4 AWG for battery to inverter and then 10 AWG everywhere else, right?
Got it! So 4 AWG for the battery to inverter, and I can still use 10 AWG for the rest of the connections?