Hey everyone! I'm new to solar energy and I'm currently building a shed in my backyard. Instead of connecting it to my house to avoid increasing my electricity bill, I'm experimenting with solar to see if it could be a good long-term solution for my home. My current issue is figuring out how to connect my inverter to the breaker panel. I've read conflicting advice about using 2 or 4 gauge wire depending on the distance from the inverter to the panel, but the connector on my inverter isn't big enough for either of those wires. Am I missing something? What extra parts or methods do I need? Thanks for any help!
4 Answers
If you need to connect a larger wire to a smaller one, consider using an H-tap. This is a solid way to link a large wire to a smaller wire where necessary, minimizing power loss. It's commonly used in setups where voltage drops are a concern—like in telephone office installations.
You probably don’t need such thick wire to connect your inverter to your panel. Check what voltage and maximum power your inverter outputs; this will clarify how much current you need to plan for. It sounds like you’re looking at guidelines for much higher output setups. You can manage current limits with a breaker suited for the wire gauge you want to use, like 20A for 12 gauge wire.
Can you tell us the model of your inverter? It’s likely that it’s designed for higher voltage, which usually means it can work with smaller wires. A quick search on YouTube for your specific inverter model could show you how others have set it up, too.
It’s a Renogy 2000 watt inverter.
First, check the specifications of your inverter; it should list the maximum continuous output current. This will help you determine the right wire gauge for safe connections. If you can share that output rating, along with your location, we can assist better. Just a heads up, it's crucial to ensure you're qualified for any electrical work, so prioritize safety!
I’m definitely not an electrician, just learning as I go. I did have a friend who is an electrician look over my panel and outlets, but he wasn't sure about inverters. I have a 2000 watt Renogy inverter.
The manual for my Renogy 2000 watt inverter says it outputs 115V AC.