Size wire to keep losses below 2%. Calculator bottom of the page: http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm
The longer the run the thicker the wire. Solar panels are expensive, power loss in the wire becomes expensive. Yes, AL can be used. Make sure you have the right termination for it, etc.
My last comment about batteries!-) Buy the cheapest you can, see how long you can make last. (proper care) If you have not taken care of batteries before, you do not want to experiment on expensive batteries, could be costly. More than one person has ruined a good battery with poor maintenance. Strongly consider the inexpensive automatic watering systems. Last look cost $6/cell (with shopping). My golf cart batteries cost $57 each, have 8. three years and counting. Many claim to get more than 7 years from cheap golf cart batteries. Better batteries may last longer, yet need 14 years due to cost ( ratio). I used cost/watts to compare batteries (watts stored = aHr x volts)
12v x 83ah = 1kwhr per day, not much power!
Consider bus bar vs cables.
Have fun, Scott. [ Parent ]
I was using 3% wire loss, but I'll take your advice and use 2%. I'll think about the cheaper batteries too.
Once the system is built and running, I'll post my set-up from my solar powered laptop and let everyone know how it's working. -Walt[ Parent ]
Good luck hope things work out!
Well Have you looked into Rain water catchment? Some states could be a problem, others OK.
Looked at NM, 2100sqft roof with 5,000 gal tank, supplies water 50gal/day for 4 people. Overall much cheaper to do than a well, unless hand dug.
