Wire for solar panel?

[john]

I've got a small NASA solar panel and want to extend the wiring. I seem to remember someone on here recommending speaker wire - am I right or what would do the job well?

 

[sarabande]

what's the rated output and nominal voltage of the panel and how long a run to the batteries, please ?

 

[john]

Hello Sarabande

It's a tiddly 10w NASA panel, 12v and it is 12ft from Battery to panel. The unit comes with 5ft of wire already, so I need an extra 7ft or so. Sorry to use old money

John

 

[Tim Good]

Speaker wire would work just use one of these online solar calculators to ensure 5% or less voltage drop over that run. I get some nice tinned stuff from eBay and use mc4 connectors.

 

[Ravi]

When I got my solar regulator, the manual recommended some ridiculously huge wire diameter. After trudging around Greek backstreet garages, I managed to source some 'suitable' ancient (Made in the GDR!) wire which had the bendability of barbed wire and was too thick to fit into the regulator connectors. I am sure that the weight of the copper lowered the waterline.
If only I had asked the same question as you, first!

 

[Fantasie 19]

Hello Sarabande

It's a tiddly 10w NASA panel, 12v and it is 12ft from Battery to panel. The unit comes with 5ft of wire already, so I need an extra 7ft or so. Sorry to use old money

John

http://www.solar-wind.co.uk/cable-sizing-DC-cables.html says 1.5mm2 / 15 AWG....

 

[john]

Thanks to all. I'll get ordering !