I just purchased an off-grid cabin in a remote wilderness. I have solar panels on the roof. My battery storage area is 100'away in a small shed. I am new at solar power. My question: Will that distance cause a significant loss of power, and if so what is the optimum distance? Any help would be appreciated.

tkrussell

Can you tell me the voltage and the existing wire size? Both are needed to perform accurate voltage drop calculations.

Or you can search for an online voltage drop calculator, there are several that work well.

2bor02b

Thanks for the reply. I'm almost positive the wire size is#8. I have 2, alleged 50 watt panels, at least thats the marking on the product. I have the wires in an underground plastic conduit. As a novice in this field I would appreciate any advice you could give me. Once again , thanks

tkrussell

Sorry, since the voltage is the value to be affected, I need to voltage to perform the calcs.

bhayne

For a 12V system, to have a maximum 5% voltage drop using #8AWG, the conductor length should be less than 58.6'.

#6AWG gives 5% voltage drop at 93".

#4AWG gives 5% voltage drop at 148'.

In simple, the closer the better. Actually for a weak system, you should shoot for a 3% voltage drop.