Date:         Sun, 2 May 2010 08:02:04 -0700
Reply-To:     Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Solar Panel Mount -Flexible Panels?
In-Reply-To:  <33966.31d87532.390eb4a4@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

RE: Solar Install
Expanding a little on Frank's comments on solar panel installations.
With the exception of the roof install my setup is much like Franks as for
the wiring and connectors.  I used some of the identical wire that Frank
lists but only for the interior/fixed wiring.  It is very stiff, meant for
underground applications.  Being stiff (like Romex wire in your house) it is
easy to snake through to the locations you want.  But where I differ is for
use outside to connect the PV panels to that wire.  I ordered, and use, zip
cord, a 25 foot roll of #10.  Very soft and flexible, much easier to use
than the stiffer underground rated wire. I actually roll mine up and store
it on the plastic reel it came on.  And all connectors are sets of Anderson
Powerpoles. You can find a lot of info on the Anderson connectors and the
wire I'm talking about here:
http://www.powerwerx.com/
If you snoop around the Internet you can find cheaper prices especially on
the Powerpole connectors, places
like High Sierra
 http://www.hamcq.com/
I've ordered from both places and got good service.
One more piece of information (I mentioned this before).  On a brand new
panel I ordered just last month I was unpleasantly surprised to find that
long, heavy, stiff wiring was already attached to the panel and actually
soldered in.  I'd expected just a junction box that I would connect to.  And
the connectors were something that I'd never seen before, like this:
http://store.solar-electric.com/incaforsoelp.html
Note that these new connectors require a special tool to disconnect! And
also note that the specs on the panel that Frank pointed us to show that it
comes with that kind if connector. This makes install a little more
complicated than a panel that has a simple junction box on the back.