I'm considering setting up a portable solar panel about 25 to 30 feet away from my camper. I've heard that I should use 8 AWG wire for this distance, but that seems quite bulky. I'm worried that if I opt for 10 AWG wire instead, it may slow down the charging process due to resistance. Are there any valid reasons not to use 10 AWG wire for a run longer than 25 feet?
2 Answers
You might be surprised, but even 12 AWG wire could work just fine for that distance with a single panel, depending on its output. As long as you're aware of the current being transmitted, it's more about that than the number of panels you have. If you're using a standard 10A panel setup, moving to 10 AWG can help reduce voltage drop, but 14 AWG should also be acceptable. Check out a wire sizing calculator to be sure!
Definitely consider the current you're dealing with! If your system is set up with multiple panels, the total current is what matters, not just how many you have. For 10A panels, using 10 AWG helps minimize voltage drop, but for most setups, even 14 AWG should be fine over those distances. Just make sure to account for all variables with a wire gauge calculator.
Are you saying a single 200W panel can use less than 12 AWG wire? That’s interesting!