250 Feet from 12 Panel PV Array to EG4 6000XP Inverter - Rot Roh?

[hoosierhog88]

My 12 Hyperion 395W Bifacial Solar Panels and EG4 Brightmount racks from Signature Solar will be here Friday. The distance is about 250 feet from the array to the EG4 6000XP inverter in series, so 4 runs of 250 feet... right? I'll be running the PV wire in conduit. I'm perplexed on what size wire to purchase and where to buy it from. I realize there is going to be some voltage drop from the panels to the inverter due to the length of the run. I may need to take out a loan to buy the wire... and my wife is already about to kill me! LOL! This is an awesome group and I appreciate your suggestions!

 

[mvreddy48]

What configuration are you planning to put the panels in? 4 runs seem overkill.

What is the max voltage allowed by EG4 6000xp?

 

[Skypower]

Four runs plus a ground. I’m thinking you’re going to have 6 in series. If it were me I’d be thinking 8AWG. The ground a 10.

 

[hoosierhog88]

What configuration are you planning to put the panels in? 4 runs seem overkill.

What is the max voltage allowed by EG4 6000xp?

I'll have two arrays of 6 panels each. If I run in series, shouldn't I run two runs of wire for each array?

 

[timselectric]

You need voltage, amperage, and distance, to calculate voltage drop and wire size.

 

[mvreddy48]

Just a thought - How about doing 6s2p configuration?

You will be still within the inverter’s voltage range (max 385V, I believe).

 

[Adam De Lay]

When I was figuring out my PV runs, I downloaded the Southwire Voltage Drop app to help me determine wire gauge size.

 

[Ampster]

Just a thought - How about doing 6s2p configuration?

You will be still within the inverter’s voltage range (max 385V, I believe).

That would only mean three wires, a ground, negative and positive. Voltage would be 250 volts and voltage drop is not critical for solar as long as it is above minimum for inverter. Wire should be sized at least for the current.

 

[Zwy]

My 12 Hyperion 395W Bifacial Solar Panels and EG4 Brightmount racks from Signature Solar will be here Friday. The distance is about 250 feet from the array to the EG4 6000XP inverter in series, so 4 runs of 250 feet... right? I'll be running the PV wire in conduit. I'm perplexed on what size wire to purchase and where to buy it from. I realize there is going to be some voltage drop from the panels to the inverter due to the length of the run. I may need to take out a loan to buy the wire... and my wife is already about to kill me! LOL! This is an awesome group and I appreciate your suggestions!

VOC of that panel is about 37V.

480V (VOC rating of 6000XP) divided by 37V = 12.9 panels in series however you need to calculate for cold weather.

As you have 2 PV inputs, I would run 6S with 10AWG. I run 10AWG on my array 420 feet to the charge controllers. Vmp is around 300V. Winter the temp gets as low as -30°F so VOC will be just under the 500V rating of my charge controllers.

With 13A, you could get by even with 14 AWG however you get more voltage drop. I use 10 AWG for PV runs, this way I don't have to worry about excessive voltage drop or amperage rating of wire.

 

[hoosierhog88]

VOC of that panel is about 37V.

480V (VOC rating of 6000XP) divided by 37V = 12.9 panels in series however you need to calculate for cold weather.

As you have 2 PV inputs, I would run 6S with 10AWG. I run 10AWG on my array 420 feet to the charge controllers. Vmp is around 300V. Winter the temp gets as low as -30°F so VOC will be just under the 500V rating of my charge controllers.

With 13A, you could get by even with 14 AWG however you get more voltage drop. I use 10 AWG for PV runs, this way I don't have to worry about excessive voltage drop or amperage rating of wire.

Awesome thanks so much!

 

[mmonaco]

If your in conduit you can use THHN/THWN. I converted at the first junction box right under the panels.

 

[Gold Country Russ]

Consider using aluminum wire, I found Cerro (brand) 8ga AL THHN/THWN-2 40-amp/600-volt wire red, white & black for $.28 ft. online at Ktool. Seriously low voltage drop for not that much money. If you ever do use aluminum wire, be sure to get the proper compound to use on the connections. PS: Didn't see anything smaller than 8ga.

 

[timselectric]

PS: Didn't see anything smaller than 8ga

That's because it's now against code to use aluminum wire smaller than #8.
Aluminum has a higher shrink and expansion rate do to temperature.
Connections become loose and problematic. Especially in the smaller sizes.